Tools for OLL AR-15 Build?

[BunMaster]

Hey so I've read a couple how-to's and such on how to build lowers and which tools to get but I'm curious, what tools did you specifically use, or wish you had to use, etc.

I don't want to spend money on tools people found useless and spend it on things people wish they had.

[operationblackwater]

Sup, here are the tools youre guna need.

# 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
# Hammer - used to drive the roll pins
# #10 Flat-Blade Screwdriver - used for A2 stock screw and some pistol grips
# Block of wood - base to support receiver when driving roll pins
# Pivot Pin Installation Tool - handy tool if you build a few lowers
# Allen Key - used for some pistol grips
# Telescoping Stock Wrench - to tighten telescoping stock lock ring

[WileyWilly]

Add a roll of masking tape to protect the finish near where you are driving the pins in.
A few drops of oil on the pins before insertion.
WW

[jmlivingston]

At a bare minimum:

Tape to protect the finish (i.e. blue painters tape)
Punch set
Hammer
Needle-nose pliers
Allan Wrench
Stock wrench
Lithium grease or Oil
Small block of wood i.e. small piece of plywood

[morphius]

FYI, the bolt catch installation that's where most people can end up scratching their lower, I've found electrical tape better than masking tape to protecting the surface. It's thick and flexible, vs masking tape that is thin which breaks through and scratches.

Make sure to get roll pin punches and not just punches. Standard hardware store punches will collapse the roll pin ends and will also can slip when being driven.

For the bolt catch roll pin, the Brownells bolt catch pin punch has a flat side specifically to clear the lower making the roll pin easier to install. See the Brownells video on bolt catch installation http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/Gun...p=0&t=1&i=1199 Otherwise a 3/32" roll pin punch will do if driven from the opposite side. The 1/8" standard roll pin punch for the trigger guard is the only other one I used with a block to support the trigger guard.

Another tip is using a razor blade knife for installing the front pivot pin detent. The thin razor blade holds down the detent under spring tension to allow you to slide the front pivot pin into place. See the Lifelibertyect range bag video http://lifelibertyetc.com/RangeBag/v...ippedLower.wmv for the pivot pin installation. So you don't have to spend for the pivot pin installation tool and spend it on the roll pin punches.
(But watch how careless this guy was with the bolt catch installation vs the Brownell clean operation. That's why I spent a bit more for the bolt catch pin punch.)

[DJBSR]

I highly recommend investing in or borrowing a set of roll pin starter punches and roll pin punches. And as morphius stated the bolt catch pin can be a little tricky to install without nicking the anodizing.

[Maltese Falcon]

I got my roll pin punches from amazon for my upcoming build. They shipped fast and seem good quality.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SR008

[Blacktail 8541]

Hey so I've read a couple how-to's and such on how to build lowers and which tools to get but I'm curious, what tools did you specifically use, or wish you had to use, etc.

I don't want to spend money on tools people found useless and spend it on things people wish they had.

Where are you located, someone near you might have the tools.

[Bruce3]

post where your at i may be of assistance

[wash]

I mostly use a set of pliers, a set of Chinese screwdriver bits (including security torx), two screwdriver handles and a nail file.

I use the pliers and nail file for the front takedown pin detent. It's a little tricky but once you've done it the first time you can do it again without launching your detent across the room. I also use the pliers to slightly crimp one side of each roll pin which helps getting it started in its hole. I use the screwdriver with a small hex bit as a punch with the other handle being a light weight, rubber coated hammer to tap things in. One of my security torx bits is the perfect size to hold the roll pins while I'm starting them. Once they are started I switch back to a hex bit to drive them home.

With a bit of patience and care everything can be assembled without tape and without scratches. The only sign of assembly on my lower is a little bit of black oxide worn off the end of my roll pins.

Basic assembly of a lower can be done without any special tools (depending on how special you think a security torx bit is). I'm not sure about carbine buffer tubes, both of mine have used A2 style tubes.

[BunMaster]

Oh man I got busy and forgot to keep track of my own thread!

Thanks for all of your help. My upper should be here in a week or two, so I need to hurry up and get this lower built up.

I'm in San Diego if anyone has any roll pin starter punches. I toyed around with a set of punches and man these tiny pins are a pain.

[dilligaffrn]

Oh man I got busy and forgot to keep track of my own thread!

Thanks for all of your help. My upper should be here in a week or two, so I need to hurry up and get this lower built up.

I'm in San Diego if anyone has any roll pin starter punches. I toyed around with a set of punches and man these tiny pins are a pain.

For my 1st build I used nails of various sizes for roll pin punches, and it worked well, I used regular punches for the trigger and hammer pin install. I now have the correct tools for the job (but the old way worked fine too).

[BunMaster]

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

What do you guys think?

[wash]

Not at all.

[domokun]

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

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

What do you guys think?

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