What tools to complete lower

[glock17_1986]

Hey guys,

I get to pick up my LRB stripped lower tomorrow and cant wait to complete it. My question is what punches do I need for it or any other tool for that matter. I don't have a vise so any recommendations with that aspect will help also.

Thanks,
Walter

[crosseyedshooter]

Just from memory, I used 1/16" punch for the bolt catch pin and maybe 3/32" for trigger guard. Everything else can be done with regular hand tools; screwdrivers and allen wrenches. I didn't need to use a vise and didn't really need a punch for the trigger pins.

That's how I did my first two lowers and haven't built any more, so didn't feel the need to invest in special tools.

[CWDraco]

A small hammer and a long screwdriver (with the same tip as your grip screw), razor blade, electrical tape and plastic sandwich baggies to protect the finish.

That's all I use on over 100 builds, and I have never dinged or scratched a lower.

Use the screwdriver as a punch for the Bolt release pin. Its long enough to make sure you are hammering away from the lower. This is after you have protected the area with the baggy and ele tape. Use the razor blade to hold the take-down detents in place as you insert them in the hole. Do this with the whole lower inside a baggy in case the spring launches the detent, it will stay in the bag.

[SOAR79]

^^they got you covered

[golfish]

The roll pin for the bolt release is the tricky one. IMO, its worth the 15-20 bucks buying that special tool from Brownells.

[Baboosh]

Nail and hammer is all I ever use.

[hambam105]

Use a screwdriver instead of a punch! Baggies....AR rifles....How about a sledge hammer and cement mixer too?

How about letting the professionals install the parts correctly, then the only tool you will need will be a box cutter.

[Baboosh]

Use a screwdriver instead of a punch! Baggies....AR rifles....How about a sledge hammer and cement mixer too?

How about letting the professionals install the parts correctly, then the only tool you will need will be a box cutter.

Some are builders and others are openers.

I'm a builder.

[glock17_1986]

Yeah I am a builder to. Why pay some one when I know I can do it. I prefer to say I put this lower together than some one else. Thanks guys, and that lower in the baggie idea was awesome i hadn't even thought of that or heard about it from all the ar builders lol.

[hpdad]

What tools . I used nail, hammer, utility knife, and a piece of wood 1x3. Not a small scratch.

The 1x3 just a little bit bigger than the mag insert hole on the receiver. A bit of chipping it is perfect fit, put it on the vice and work on it.

[Mr. Magoo]

If you use the rifle, it is going to get scratched up anyways.

Hammer, small screwdriver or punch, pliers, electrical tape.

[Baboosh]

Yeah I am a builder to. Why pay some one when I know I can do it. I prefer to say I put this lower together than some one else. Thanks guys, and that lower in the baggie idea was awesome i hadn't even thought of that or heard about it from all the ar builders lol.

Plus it takes all of 10 minutes. It'll take longer to drive to a store.

[glock7]

for me it's having the right tools. pliers, roll pin starters, punches, an armorers hammer, just easier to have the right tools. although some guys do it without the minimal amount of tools needed. good luck.

[Jeymz]

Castle nut wrench.

[FourLoko]

Castle nut wrench.

I'd agree with this. I tried to use vice grips and not only did it suck it marred the castle nut a bit. Then one of them came loose.

The castle nut wrench is a must. Can be found for about $20.