Ar tools - which ones first for my application

J

jproaster

New member
Ok. Going to build my first AR. I want to start buying the tools for my build(s) as needed. I've read some threads, but would like some feedback nonetheless.

My present list for 1st build:
-Barreled upper (I think this means that I have a barrel with gas block installed and connected to an upper). Just happens to be a BCM 14.5 with permanent flash suppressor.
-Rainier Arms BCG
-BCM Gunfighter charging handle
-Mega lower
-Palmetto LPK
-Magpul stock kit
-Magpul rear site
-DD 7"Omega rail

So, I'd like to get the right tools to build this particular gun and hopefully like it enough to want to build as a hobby.

thanks,
john
 
With a barreled upper, you don't need the upper vise block or the barrel wrench (and associated torque wrench).

To assemble the lower, I would recommend a good punch set (preferably brass or roll pin specific), tack hammer, lower vise block (basically fits into the magwell), and stock wrench. With the Omega rail you'll need a flat blade screwdriver and allen wrench, but the allen wrench is included (or at least it was with mine).
 
You might check to see if your upper comes with a BCG.Ideally,you get a bolt headspaced to the bbl.If that is not so,checking headspace is the right thing to do.You can have a gunsmith check it,instead of buying headspace gages.
Sinclair makes a little bolt assy fixture for about $25.I recomend it.Sinclair is with Brownells.Brownells or Midway sells a set of two punches for starting roll pins.Each end of the punch has shallow holes in it to hold a roll pin straight while you start it.Thats about $20,I think.Brownells sells a long,partly cutaway punch for the bolt stop pin.It works good.
If you are only going to build one rifle in your life,you may get by without some of this stuff.If your buddy and brother in law are going to want one after they shoot yours,tool up a little.
You might order a pin and spring type repair kit.You will likely lose a pin or spring,then you won't have to re-order.
Think about how you will clock the alignment of the forend to the top rail.
I use the fixed jaw of a mill vise against both the top rails,with a spacer below the upper receiver.I use a very light touch tightening the vise.
Good luck!
 
Google how to put a lower together from the parts. It's easy but you'll want a few handheld (and cheap) tools to do it. Such as a vise grip, some duct tape, and punches.
 
The "How to build a lower" sticky at arfcom is about the best.

To get roll pins into holes, taped jaw vice grips work just fine. You control the pressure and timing - with punches, you better get it right or major scratches, broken trigger ears, and lots of heartbreak are possible. You are hammering them, not just applying pressure, and it's a skill, one acquired from long use, not something most early non-tool users can do.

In fact, the whole tool list from the armorer's set is based on DISASSEMBLY, and taking apart any MTOE weapon at the company level, including M60's, M249's, Mk17's, M2's, whatever the armorer has to do. Assembling an AR just doesn't need a $150 toolset for the first gun.

I even know a guy who tightens the barrel nut with a cheap set of vice inserts and a large pair of channel lock pliers. It's what he has, and it works. :D

Read the stickies written by guys doing it for years, posted years ago, you won't go wrong.
 
Thanks guys. I know this has been asked many times. I'm going to get my list together with tools that make the job easiest. I'm probably going to build a few of these. Just seems like a good thing to do.

john
 
You probably won't need extra tools, the average guy has what's needed in the garage. Looks like your upper is already assembled so all you need to do is piece everything together. Brownells has good AR assembly videos but they do push their tools.

Nice parts you've selected. Have you thought of BCM's or Daniel Defense's LW midlength upper? I'm very happy with my DD.
 
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