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?

[Bolillo]

Get a nice set of screwdrivers, parallel ground for gun screws.

Punches. Roll pin style if you're working on ARs. Otherwise, a nice set of brass and steel. Plus 4 and 8 ounce hammers.

You probably want a nice bench vise with soft jaws and/or a bench block.

Hard to say how many more different tools you might need unless we know what type of guns you're thinking about working on.

[CharlesV]

Thanks i appreciate that.

Yes i should have mentioned the guns: Glock 19, Beretta Bobcat .22, Marlins 30-30, 60 and 795, Rem 870WM, Ruger MkIII, Henry AR7.

I'll add a bit more to my first post.

Hammers were a problem in comments. It should be a combo brass and nylon? Some were deemed too heavy, some too light.

Screwdrivers were a problem in that though hollow ground, they didnt fit the slots.

Punches were a problem in comments when very narrow ones easily bent and that the points were of odd shapes that they marred the outside finish or holes or pins.

The general comments ive read are that though the items are offered for sale as gunsmithing tools they are nothing more than standard, cheap tools at twice the price. My local gunsmith is an aged fellow who uses all sorts of tools that look non-standard and also has a series of bastardized, alien-looking tools for special jobs. So i want to start off the right way, with screwdrivers, punches, hammers, files, really meant for guns.

I'll go check your links, thanks very much for replying.

[-hanko]

Thanks i appreciate that.

Yes i should have mentioned the guns: Glock 19, Beretta Bobcat .22, Marlins 30-30, 60 and 795, Rem 870WM, Ruger MkIII, Henry AR7.

I'll add a bit more to my first post.

Hammers were a problem in comments. It should be a combo brass and nylon? Some were deemed too heavy, some too light.
Brass and nylon are OK...weight depends upon what you're banging...so you get different weights

Screwdrivers were a problem in that though hollow ground, they didnt fit the slots.
Then you find the correct bit, or grind one down to fit.

Punches were a problem in comments when very narrow ones easily bent and that the points were of odd shapes that they marred the outside finish or holes or pins.
Not a bad idea to have spare small punches. Ragged points may happen after continued use or misuse...touch them up with a grinder.

The general comments ive read are that though the items are offered for sale as gunsmithing tools they are nothing more than standard, cheap tools at twice the price. My local gunsmith is an aged fellow who uses all sorts of tools that look non-standard and also has a series of bastardized, alien-looking tools for special jobs. So i want to start off the right way, with screwdrivers, punches, hammers, files, really meant for guns.
The general comments are generally incorrect. You may need to make tools for specific jobs.

Best thing you could do is get a Brownells catalog and start reading. Get your tools as you need them.

I'll go check your links, thanks very much for replying.

hth

-hanko

[nokarma]

I would start with this.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/gunsmithing-tool-kits/basic-field-tool-kit-coyote-sku080000666-30922-53946.aspx

NoKarma

[gunboat]

Your "aged" gunsmith probably has the right tools -- why not talk to him about his tools --
Chances are, they are mostly common tools modified to do the job.

[CharlesV]

Ok thanks for the inputs which i will check out and which also remind me to maybe start closer to the beginning. Can anyone recommend any good books on gunsmithing to begin to understand the basics of this work?

Are these lost arts? My doctor recently died, he was 90 and had a wealth of knowledge. To whom did he pass it down? Nobody. I knew an old gunsmith, he died and to whom he pass it all down? Nobody. How many grandmothers and great-grandmothers died and the kids, who never gave a damn, didnt accept the lessons of fantastic cooking, now lost forever?

[gunboat]

Actually, you might try your local library for some of the older gunsmith books.
Often the older books deal with more elementary repairs.

[kcstott]

Riflesmithing by Jack Mitchell
Pistolsmithing by Jack Mitchell

Practical gunsmithing by Ed Matunas
Do it yourself Gunsmithing By Jim Carmichel

Older books
The Modern Gunsmith
the bolt action rifle

Thats a good start.

[oddjob]

Dremel .....everyone needs a Dremel. My gunsmith said the Dremel has made him a lot of money!

[kcstott]

Dremel .....everyone needs a Dremel. My gunsmith said the Dremel has made him a lot of money!

Thats true and everyone needs a lot of practice with a dremel. I've got one that I've had for a very long time. Don't know what I'd do with out it.

[ElvenSoul]

If you own a AK you might want a set of blacksmith tools.
(Hey that is why I love them.)

[-hanko]

Riflesmithing by Jack Mitchell
Pistolsmithing by Jack Mitchell

Practical gunsmithing by Ed Matunas
Do it yourself Gunsmithing By Jim Carmichel

Older books
The Modern Gunsmith
the bolt action rifle

Thats a good start.

Also, check out anything Jerry Kuhnhausen's written. New Brownells catalog has a bunch of pages with nothing but books.

hth

-hanko

[gunboat]

I expect the "dremel" has given a lot of work to gunsmiths --

[Lessthanperfect]

Fordam grinder is 10 times better than a dremel and will last forever (but its 150)

some screw drivers are to thick for some screws a lot of european guns are like that also browning a5 shotguns can be that way depending on the maker.

those guns use diffrent screw drivers than most regular guns any cheap set of brass and steal punches will work fine

remmber with hammers lighter is better. its harder to F up something if you hit it with a 1oz than a 4 oz just hit it more

you can use a lump of lead instead of a brass hammer and you can get a cheap plastic hammer if you want

and if you need to make special tools just use a old screwdriver or buy cheap harbor freight and grind to fit

thats what most gunsmith tools are things we made into something else that works for the job.

gunsmithing is 60% knowledge 30% improvising 10% guesswork (i guessed on those numbers. see at least 10%)