Moderator: carlson1
What tools would that be? i used a $20 armorer wrench and basic hand tools to build uppers and lowers.Vecco wrote:If you want to save $23.00 on tools, you might want to reconsider building a AR. If you build the upper, you will need about $200+ in tools. You can buy the upper built if that’s what you want, you can buy the lower built if that’s what you want. Or you can just go buy the gun. If you want to build and really maintain your GUNS, a punch kit is needed. On a good note, you can use it on all you guns.
PS this is a cheap kit, most good punch kits start around $69.00 or so. That said I have that one and it has worked fine for the last few years.
What did you torq your barrel to # and how did you hold it? Did you build a quad rail or hand guards? How did you set/test your head space? Really there is no need for me to tell you what is the right way and the common way, that’s all over the net. But I am curious as to how YOU did it. You don’t always have the tools you need, so new information is always nice to have.rm9792 wrote:What tools would that be? i used a $20 armorer wrench and basic hand tools to build uppers and lowers.Vecco wrote:If you want to save $23.00 on tools, you might want to reconsider building a AR. If you build the upper, you will need about $200+ in tools. You can buy the upper built if that’s what you want, you can buy the lower built if that’s what you want. Or you can just go buy the gun. If you want to build and really maintain your GUNS, a punch kit is needed. On a good note, you can use it on all you guns.
PS this is a cheap kit, most good punch kits start around $69.00 or so. That said I have that one and it has worked fine for the last few years.
The pivot pin install tool is a must. That detent and spring will shoot out with the force of a BB gun even with the tool if you're not careful. Plus, unless it sticks in your eye because you weren't wearing safety glasses, you'll never find it.dcphoto wrote:There are several tools that will make assembling an AR-15 lower easier. Although none are required, they will save you time and are a good investment if you plan on building more than 1 AR.
A pivot pin detent installation tool. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2648 ... ATION_TOOL" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Yes, getting the tools takes a bite out of the wallet but will make your hobby much more enjoyable.Call me after your 3rd or 4th rifle build. If you can still say that, you’ve missed your calling; you should have been a surgeon.MadMonkey wrote:I didn'tTDDude wrote: Brass or not, you will slip and make a mark.
Well, I just ordered another stripped lower, so we'll see if I need to stay in the security fieldTDDude wrote:Call me after your 3rd or 4th rifle build. If you can still say that, you’ve missed your calling; you should have been a surgeon.
The pivot pin installation tool isn't essential. Sure it makes things easier, but you can also use a blunted razor blade to hold the detent while you install the pin. It's a little bit more difficult with the razor, and nearly impossible without a vice block, but it can be done.TDDude wrote:The pivot pin install tool is a must. That detent and spring will shoot out with the force of a BB gun even with the tool if you're not careful.dcphoto wrote:There are several tools that will make assembling an AR-15 lower easier. Although none are required, they will save you time and are a good investment if you plan on building more than 1 AR.
A pivot pin detent installation tool. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2648 ... ATION_TOOL" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Barrel was torqued to "pretty tight". Built them in the Army this way so must work fine. Didnt set headspace, never done that on an AR. I usually use either free float hand guards or FF quad rails. I like to use railed gas blocks, no fixed front sights. I do have the armorers blocks as well to clamp it in a vise so as not to mar the finish. I already had punches for other work so didnt figure that in the cost. I am always up for new info though!Vecco wrote:What did you torq your barrel to # and how did you hold it? Did you build a quad rail or hand guards? How did you set/test your head space? Really there is no need for me to tell you what is the right way and the common way, that’s all over the net. But I am curious as to how YOU did it. You don’t always have the tools you need, so new information is always nice to have.rm9792 wrote:What tools would that be? i used a $20 armorer wrench and basic hand tools to build uppers and lowers.Vecco wrote:If you want to save $23.00 on tools, you might want to reconsider building a AR. If you build the upper, you will need about $200+ in tools. You can buy the upper built if that’s what you want, you can buy the lower built if that’s what you want. Or you can just go buy the gun. If you want to build and really maintain your GUNS, a punch kit is needed. On a good note, you can use it on all you guns.
PS this is a cheap kit, most good punch kits start around $69.00 or so. That said I have that one and it has worked fine for the last few years.
that's a great video, thanks for sharing. that makes it look a lot easier when combined with the directions on ar15.comHankB wrote:Some tools are very specialized . . . but punches are universal and belong in every tool kit.
Hurry up and get a set before someone decides to take away your man card.
Oh, and I recommend you look at this video if you're building your first AR: http://www.lifelibertyetc.com/Home/Rang ... ippedLower" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
