Which basic gunsmithing tools to have?

[CharlesV]

I want to have the most basic set of tools like screwdrivers, files, etc. so that i can strip my guns and do the most simple tasks. When i have searched for tools, like on Amazon, the comments about branded sets like Wheeler are often negative, like screwdrivers not fitting the screws or other problems making the sets useless.

I very much understand that the right tools ALSO need to be in the right hands to effectively do work. But i cant run to a gunsmith every time i need a screw loosened.

So can a recommendation be made for a basic home set of tools?

[AAShooter]

It depends on the guns you plan to work on or support.

If you look at the Front Sight web site and the course descriptions for the Armorers classes, they recommend a list of suggested tools for each class. These are only one day classes but taught by an instructor from Lassen CC's Gunsmithing program. That might be a start for you.

http://www.frontsight.com/Courses.asp

[Laythor]

most basic tools would be:

Set of punches

Set of screwdrivers that fit the screws of your gun. No need to buy a fancy kit if two different screwdrivers fit everything on your gun

deadblow hammer (not many things that a hammer can't fix)

oil to lubricate

extras:

bench vise with soft jaws or jig made for your gun

extra table light with magnifying lense

picks to help remove/replace springs and small components

computer near your work area so you can watch video, look up instruction, schematics, etc. while working

mini fridge for beer.

[AAShooter]

Here is the list the Lassen CC Gunsmithing Program suggests for full-time students:

http://www.lassencollege.edu/assets/Program%20Pages/Gunsmithing/Tool%20List.pdf

[AAShooter]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=10799/GunTechdetail/Beginner-s-Bench-Picking-Out-Some-Tools-and-Materials-For-the-Beginning-Gunsmith

[Chief-7700]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=1...nning-Gunsmith

All depends upon you level of experience and how many perfectly good parts you are prepared to wreck. I have have a box of expensive part that I have destroyed in my shop.
Chief

[Tjfearl]

Mine are:

Brass* punches
Steel punches
Roll pin punches
Delrin punches
Gunsmith hammer
Gunsmith screwdriver set
M&P Sight tool
AR Stock wrench

[chickenfried]

this is a pretty good list

most basic tools would be:

Set of punches

Set of screwdrivers that fit the screws of your gun. No need to buy a fancy kit if two different screwdrivers fit everything on your gun

deadblow hammer (not many things that a hammer can't fix)

oil to lubricate

extras:

bench vise with soft jaws or jig made for your gun

extra table light with magnifying lense

picks to help remove/replace springs and small components

computer near your work area so you can watch video, look up instruction, schematics, etc. while working

mini fridge for beer.

[kcstott]

I don't think there is such a thing. I started out with a set of files, a few hammers, some punches and a hand full of the wrong screw drivers. That was twenty five years ago. I'm still buying tools.

Get what you need and can afford

[-hanko]

I want to have the most basic set of tools like screwdrivers, files, etc. so that i can strip my guns and do the most simple tasks. When i have searched for tools, like on Amazon, the comments about branded sets like Wheeler are often negative, like screwdrivers not fitting the screws or other problems making the sets useless.

I very much understand that the right tools ALSO need to be in the right hands to effectively do work. But i cant run to a gunsmith every time i need a screw loosened.

So can a recommendation be made for a basic home set of tools?

I don't buy Midway-branded tools...quality and country of origin are iffy, and Larry Porterfield has been known to write his own reviews on the website.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=1...nning-Gunsmith

This. In spades.

hth

-hanko