After the Ar15 Complete Build List article, some people asked for a tool list to assemble an AR15. Now not getting into the big meat and potatoes about building an AR from our 80% lowers being Step 1: Get a Drill press, Step 2: Press Drills, we are just going to cover the basic hand tools that aid and are essential to build and service an AR15. As before I will post the links to the tools we offer in the article.
Before You Build Your AR-15
Please remember these important things:
- Safety – Always remember to wear safety glasses. Pins and springs can (and probably will) fly across the room. A shop apron is also helpful to protect your clothing.
- Work Surface -Be sure to work in a well-lit area with plenty of clear, clean workbench area. Place a mat like the Tipton Gun Cleaning and Maintenance Mat over your work area to keep parts from rolling around or getting lost. The mat will also help protect your guns and parts from potential damage.
- Floor Area – Since we are working with several springs and small pins, it is likely some of these small parts will find their way to the floor. If you have a clean floor or even if you place a white towel or some plain covering on the floor, it will be easier to find these small parts. Nothing is more frustrating than having to delay your project because a $ 0.99 roll pin vanishes.
- Tools -There are several tools necessary to do a professional job. Please don’t skimp here, as the quality of your work will suffer. Use the right tool for the job. Try to use brass punches whenever possible to reduce the chance of marring the finish.
Tools:
Essential Gun Smith Tool Kit Comes with the following tools:
- mallet with nylon and brass ends,
- small needle nose pliers,
- triangle mill file,
- 1/4″ hex screw driver,
- Gunsmith bench block,
- safety glasses,
- soft carry case
- 30 each 1/4″ bits: Flat blade, Phillips, hex, torx, square, adapters
- Jeweler’s screw drivers – 6 pcs.
- Steel punch set, center punch, roll pin punches, and drift punches
- brass pinch – 5 pcs., Polymer punch -2 pcs.
This piece of kit really is a must have for an firearm project, but will aid in putting your AR together. The brass punches and bench block are super important when putting pins in, and taking pins out. Look at this kit, not so AR15 specific, but firearm essential.
AR15 Armorer’s Wrench/ Multi-tool:
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Hammer
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½” opening for socket wrench attachment
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Ergonomic handle
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Flat tip screwdriver
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A2 Extension
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Forearm Wrench
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Beverage opener
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Spanner Wrench for old and new style castle nut
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Muzzle Device
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Barrel Nut
This is a must have, there are TONS of these out in the market, this one is the one I use, it’s slightly more expensive than the $15 and $20 ones you see at the gun shows but it works a whole lot better. I have found it very durable, and it’s the last one I have bought in 5 years, and countless ARs later.
Torque Wrench:
- 150 ft lb capability
- 1/2″
Find one you like, it’s used to put the barrel nut on, as well as the muzzle device. Tactical Shit doesn’t carry these but you can find one at home depot. I would recommend to not get a digital one, but I’m a little old school with my tools. I find that the old style torque wrenches take a beating better than the digital ones. Some different brands have life time warranties, meaning if they come out of spec, they can tune em back up for you. Just make sure you get it in a half inch variety so it fits in your Armorer’s tool
Action Block:
A unique vise block that will hold your AR-15 upper or lower receiver in place for repairs, installations and upgrades. One side will insert into the magazine well of your AR lower and provide a secure mounting point for a bench vise. Flip the block over, and it will insert just as easily into your upper receiver. Constructed of durable Delrin that will not scratch or damage your rifle.
AR-15/M16 REACTION ROD:
This may or may not be a mandatory tool, some people will tell you you have to have one, some people will tell you it’s just a feel good tool. I’m not gonna sway you either way, but I’ll list it.
Sturdy steel rod slips into the upper receiver to give needed support for barrel changes and parts installation. Makes removal and installation of barrels, flash suppressors, gas blocks, and handguards much easier. Designed to be gripped in a bench vise so that the rod is either horizontal or vertical. The
upper receiver is then slid onto the rod and the rod’s integral splines enter the barrel extension and secure the barrel extension from turning, allowing all the torque from barrel nut wrenches to go directly into the barrel extension. Unique design can’t mar the barrel’s exterior finish and eliminates the need to remove sights or optics when installing the barrel on the upper receiver. This is a very important tool, I recommend the Geissele version.
Vice:
Works better than holding it between your knees, any kind of table top variety will work. Not ESSENTIAL but is VERY HELPFUL.
AR Handguard Removal Tool:
- AR-15 Hand Guard Removal Tool will make the removal and the installation of hand guards a very simple task. No more struggling with your bare hands or finding an extra set of hands to help with the removal or installation of your AR-15/ M4 hand guards. This is a must have tool in your tool box.
- The Tool’s Hook is inserted into the front of the Mag-Well and the Arms go around the Delta Ring.
- With a slight squeeze of the arms and compressing the Delta Ring with one hand, your other hand is free to easily remove or install the hand guards.
- Tool is coated in a soft and pliable Plastic coating that will not mar your firearm’s finish.
- Construction: Steel Bar stock with Plastic Dip coating.
I have taken hand guards off without them, now I own one. The military method of using a plumbers wrench sucks, just get one.