AR Tools

[Hmac]

Yep, that's what I use on the roll pins. I didn't modify mine at all, the tip fits inside the roll pin, so it doesn't slip off. I think it's alot easier than using a hammer and a punch. The one I have is adjustable.

Interesting idea. Doesn't the tip of the spring loaded punch flare out the end of the roll pin?

[rugersol]

Yep, that's what I use on the roll pins. I didn't modify mine at all, the tip fits inside the roll pin, so it doesn't slip off. I think it's alot easier than using a hammer and a punch. The one I have is adjustable.

Interesting idea. Doesn't the tip of the spring loaded punch flare out the end of the roll pin?

Fixed it!

[MnHornet]

Yep, that's what I use on the roll pins. I didn't modify mine at all, the tip fits inside the roll pin, so it doesn't slip off. I think it's alot easier than using a hammer and a punch. The one I have is adjustable.

Interesting idea. Doesn't the tip of the spring loaded punch flare out the end of the roll pin?

Since the one I have is adjustable I turned it down at first, thinking it might. I've done a few lowers this way, and really think it's a slick trick. It even sets the pin past flush. YMMV

It's a "General no 77"

[engnerdan]

Thanks for the input everybody. It is interesting that the main topic of discussion became roll pins. The one thing I was least worried about.

The key to roll pins is having the right punches as many have found out. Just so everybody knows this is what a proper roll pin punch looks like, the bump in the middle goes into the hole of the pin

[rugersol]

I'll give ya $5 fer the one on the right!

[snlit3]

Never realized that's what those bumps were for, they are on the snap on air hammer punches.. so confused.. lol

[ScatterGun4015]

got my set of roll pin punches from my MAC dealer. yeah they were 60 bucks, but he comes to me and WHEN i break them, ill get new ones delivered in less than a week. Don't forget.......BEER. That usually helps with the assembly process

[SparkyJeff]

I struggled with the front pivot pin.
searching turned up this $6.95 tool.
http://www.fulton-armory.com/frontpivot ... steel.aspx


Further research got me looking for one of these ¼" clevis pins. Don't remember if I bought it, or found it in one of these buckets of neat junk in the shop.
get a long one.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R ... reId=10051

[bulletproof]

What tools are needed to assemble a AR from parts? Which brands/models of tools are junk and which are good?

Pretty much just your hands & a screw driver. If anyone disagrees and has the parts I'll do my best to prove you wrong without leaving too many scratches.

(oh and a rock if you won't let me use a hammer)

[yuppiejr]

I struggled with the front pivot pin.
searching turned up this $6.95 tool.
http://www.fulton-armory.com/frontpivot ... steel.aspx


Further research got me looking for one of these ¼" clevis pins. Don't remember if I bought it, or found it in one of these buckets of neat junk in the shop.
get a long one.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R ... reId=10051

The flat of a box-cutter blade does the job nicely as well.

I have the Model 1 vice block for the upper and it works fine, not absolutely required... I want to say $25-30 shipped but are only necessary if you are messing with the upper (free float tube install, low profile gas block installation, new barrel, etc..) and want to minimize risk of tweaking the upper using just wood blocks or padding in your vice (which many people also do without issue).

Assembling a lower shouldn't require any special tools unless you don't have roll punches or a light weight hammer & utility knife, though the stamped metal $2-4 castle nut wrench (and 1911 bushing wrench if you need it) combos are nice.. and cheap.. If you are following specs exactly you probably should use a torque wrench to properly set (and then stake) the castle nut.

Like a lot of things AR related, you CAN spend a lot on stuff including tools but you don't NEED to, in most cases.

[SparkyJeff]

The flat of a box-cutter blade does the job nicely as well.

Especially if you have three hands.

[MnHornet]

I struggled with the front pivot pin.
searching turned up this $6.95 tool.
http://www.fulton-armory.com/frontpivot ... steel.aspx


Further research got me looking for one of these ¼" clevis pins. Don't remember if I bought it, or found it in one of these buckets of neat junk in the shop.
get a long one.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R ... reId=10051

I use a piece hardwood dowel with a hole drilled in, works like a champ. I can make a bunch of them for less than a buck.

[Hmac]

I use a similar tool from Brownells that really simplifies front pivot pin installation.




I have also found the Hammer Head tool to be a very useful item, especially for muzzle devices and receiver extensions. http://hammerheadrifletool.com/HammerHe ... Steel.html

[SparkyJeff]

I use a piece hardwood dowel with a hole drilled in, works like a champ. I can make a bunch of them for less than a buck.

Excellent tip! I love cheap and easy!

[rugersol]

Whatcha drillin' a hole for?

I do somethin' like this ... 'sept I jest flip my pin punch around ...