Best punch tools?

[DrDavid]

I need to buy a set of punches for building/repairing/etc AR15's and pistols. I've found on some punch sets that the part that is used as the punch itself isn't long enough to go all the way through, and come out the other side.

Does anyone know of a good brand to buy? or a good set? Something that's strong enough to not bend, long enough to go all the way through an AR15 or a M&P pistol, yet not crazy expensive (i.e. no gold-plated, diamond encrusted $10,000 punches please )

Thanks in advance,

David

[kcstott]

Craftsman or Starrett and both make an extra long set.
Both sets would set you back just over $100 for both.

[ar15barrels]

I prefer starrett, but people that like to break them and get free replacements would be well served with craftsman.

If you use them correctly, there is very little risk of ever breaking one.
Starrett are nicer quality for sure.

[SMR510]

I just went to sears and got some craftsman ones, they are inexpensive and do the job just fine. I just bought loose ones rather than a set because I didn't need all the sizes.

[missiondude]

Go on Brownells and buy a set of roll pin punches. They have the little nub that keeps them from slipping off the pin. M&P's and AR's are full of roll pins...

[badhabit90]

i, too , have the craftsman roll pin punches. i also went to home depot and purchased the 'finish nail' punches. they are reversed so you can 'start' the roll pins. sometimes the roll pin punches flair out the pins....

[peacedivision]

grace roll pin punches and cheap no name flat punches.

If you are going to do lots of AR stuff get a set of roll pin holders.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/roll-pin-holders-prod781.aspx

and a bolt catch punch.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/bolt-tools/dissassembly-tools/bolt-catch-pin-punch-prod26484.aspx

[DrDavid]

Thanks for all the recommendations! Much appreciated.

[kendog4570]

Starrett

[kcstott]

I recommended Craftsman because they are good punches and you can get them on a sunday. Starrett are my preferred punch but they have to be ordered as I don't have dealer in my area that stocks them I also have a selection of ejector pins that I uses as punches as well but those are very expensive and one of the perks for working in an Injection mold shop

[jamesob]

My snap on set is great.

[ar15barrels]

I recommended Craftsman because they are good punches and you can get them on a sunday. Starrett are my preferred punch but they have to be ordered as I don't have dealer in my area that stocks them I also have a selection of ejector pins that I uses as punches as well but those are very expensive and one of the perks for working in an Injection mold shop

Mcmaster has ejector pins as well as starrett punches.
I use 10" long ejector pins for bore probing while dialing in barrels on a dual-spider setup.

[Dan FS71]

Craftsmen - Breakm, free replacement.

[Mike_Dee]

I love my Starrett set.

[kcstott]

Mcmaster has ejector pins as well as starrett punches.
I use 10" long ejector pins for bore probing while dialing in barrels on a dual-spider setup.

FYI ejector pins are not guaranteed straight and true (but that doesn't mean they aren't) But they are pretty damn straight and I can't usually see any runout of a pin if set up on my master V blocks using my highest resolution indicator. So I'd say good enough especially over 10"
I never thought to use an ejector pin as an indicating pin for chamber work. Good Idea