Tools for OLL AR-15 Build?

[aplinker]

real men need only a hammer.

[MILLITIAof1]

real men need only a hammer.

I have been thinking this the whole time I've been reading this thread.
I use a hammer and piece of cardboard.
and a flathead or torx depending on lpk.

[MILLITIAof1]

After watching all those brownell videos, it seems that lower receiver vice block is essential.

What do you guys think?

not in the least bit.

[BunMaster]

Terrific, saved myself some ammo money.

Thanks guys. Hopefully I'll have some time this weekend to gather some tools and get this thing built.

If anyone in San Diego is done building lowers for the rest of their life (hah!), I'll gladly buy the tools off their hands (or for their favorite beer or whatnot).

[Federalist]

# Roll Pin Punches - to drive roll pins (3/32", 1/8", 5/32"); these have a small raised projection in the face of the punch to automatically center the punch and prevent the roll pin from collapsing
# Roll Pin Holders - used to hold and start roll pins... very convenient
. . .
# Pivot Pin Installation Tool - handy tool if you build a few lowers

I'm looking to acquire these tools too. As far as I can tell, I would use them solely for gunsmithing (mostly for assembling one or two OLLs, but also to have for general gun work). After quite a bit of searching, I have a few questions:

Roll Pin Punches - Do I need anything more than brass punches? Any recommendations on brands (and sellers) that are better than others. Comments on quite a few of them don't rate them most of them too highly.

Roll Pin Holders - For OLL assembly, which ones do I need? Are any brands better than others?

Pivot Pin Installation Tool - Brownells has one for $27.99. Midway has a totally different looking one for $4.00. I'm confused. Any specific recommendations?

By the way, I also think I will get a bolt catch pin punch (likely from Brownells), but am also open to suggestions on this tool too.

Thanks.

[MILLITIAof1]

I'm looking to acquire these tools too. As far as I can tell, I would use them solely for gunsmithing (mostly for assembling one or two OLLs, but also to have for general gun work). After quite a bit of searching, I have a few questions:

Roll Pin Punches - Do I need anything more than brass punches? Any recommendations on brands (and sellers) that are better than others. Comments on quite a few of them don't rate them most of them too highly.

Roll Pin Holders - For OLL assembly, which ones do I need? Are any brands better than others?

Pivot Pin Installation Tool - Brownells has one for $27.99. Midway has a totally different looking one for $4.00. I'm confused. Any specific recommendations?

By the way, I also think I will get a bolt catch pin punch (likely from Brownells), but am also open to suggestions on this tool too.

Thanks.

read the post above you, very minimal things are needed... unless you are absolutely horrible working with your hands you dont need all those fancy tools.
The last one I put together I used 1 flathead to install the pistol grip and channel locks with the jaws wrapped in tape to do all the pins.

[Federalist]

read the post above you, very minimal things are needed... unless you are absolutely horrible working with your hands you dont need all those fancy tools.
The last one I put together I used 1 flathead to install the pistol grip and channel locks with the jaws wrapped in tape to do all the pins.

I read the post above. Since this will be my first lower receiver self-assembly, I wasn't certain about "not following the instructions" on all the videos and guides.

If the well taped up channel locks work well, that looks like the easiest way to avoid breaking pins and dinging up my new OLL. If I go that route, I can save the $$$ and get started sooner.

Thanks for the encouragement.

[MILLITIAof1]

I took extra precautions and time on the first few I built, but you really gain confidence after the first one or two.
I think the biggest precaution you can use is to take your time, and use all that tool money to buy ammo because that stuff goes FAST!

[ITZJT]

I have a brass punch set from John Masen that I purchased at a gun show. It's the most complete kit I've seen so far that's well built and not flimsy. My kit came with a plastic and a brass hammer.

http://www.johnmasen.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=J&Product_Code=MA01&Category_Code=TK

I've done most of mine without the lower vice block. It's a nice thing to have but isn't 100% required.

You can get the EXACT same kit on EvilBay for $15 Shipped I'll be putting 3 OLL lowers together this weekend just gotta pick up some Bullett Buttons

[Federalist]

MILLITIAof1: A huge thank you for your suggestions and encouragement.

Channel lock pliers, an allen wrench (for the pistol grip), duct tape, and some toothpicks (for guides for the pins). That's all I needed! I took my time, and my new lower is complete with zero scratches.

On Monday, my BCM mid-length 16"upper, DD lite rail, and AAC FH are scheduled to arrive from G&R. If they arrive as scheduled, on Tuesday I get to slap them together and head to the range!