So, I finally jumped into the AR world this Saturday… excited about that. Nothing too fancy, but it’s MINE!
However I am super new at the idea of building/customizing your gun. I don’t have a lot of buddies that work on their own guns, but >I< want to be the one working on my gun and eventually be able to build my own… that’s part of the fun, right!?
So, I was wondering what the typical tools & equipment you guys have for customizing and building? what’s “required,” maybe your preferences, anything helps!
Side note, if you guys have any good websites or videos that would help a newbie out… It’d be much appreciated!
Proper tools to do the job make life a ton easier. Brownell’s and MidwayUSA sell the items you need. AR15.com is also a great resource. Building them is far far more fun! Especially the small parts, if you need one buy 4 Over time you get enough parts for another build!
The three main things you need for building AR’s are
Upper Vice Block w/ internal filler: I got mine from Brownells decades ago and it still works. The internal filler bit keeps you from crushing the upper.
Lower Vice Block: OK a disposable magazine will work in a pinch but a poly block is much better
Barrel Wrench: I like the DPMS one primarily because of two features. The “button” for the castle nut is hardened steel and fit’s just about everything. It has a 1/2" square hole for a socket wrench so that you can give the flash suppressor an “UNGHH” to get it lined up or the barrel locking ring/block/whatever they call it these days.
Add ons:
A good set of pin punches
A “Small” ball peen hammer - If it takes more than a tap you are doing it wrong.
A micro hemostat (for holding roll pins as you tap them in) AKA roach clip, Mosquito Clamp, Hemostat [Tweezers also work but are not locking, generally]
A 1/4" cleevis pin to assist with getting those pesky take down detent springs in place.
A full set of Allen wrenches down to “itty bitty” for the 4-40 grub screws on the Aero M4E1 Lowers to hold the safety detent and spring in as well as the bolt release.
Any other part specific tools for your particular rig.
Over time you get enough parts for another build!