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It is currently Fri Mar 29, 2024 4:56 am
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[ 11 posts ] |
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suggestions on some basic tools
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Barfly
Site Supporter
Location: Lacey Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 Posts: 2288
Real Name: Jim
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I'm looking to buy a decent set of brass/steel punches, roll pin punches & starters, brass/nylon hammer, good screwdriver bit set, AR armorer's wrench, etc. and was hoping that some of you guys could make some suggestions based on your experiences? I don't need professional grade stuff that will put me out a month's pay, but I would like at least decent quality.
I have looked at some stuff at Cabela's and online at a few sites, and am really not sure after looking at reviews.
I looked through about 6 pages of posts before I decided to just ask... :-)
Thanks in advance for any insight.
-Jim
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Mon Nov 14, 2016 10:18 pm |
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old11bravo
Site Supporter
Location: Everett Joined: Mon Apr 22, 2013 Posts: 3421
Real Name: Ron
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AR Wrench:I've been through several of the cheaper (seem to be made of pot metal) AR armors wrenches before I latched onto the Wheeler Engineering Delta Series Multi-Tool AR-15 Steel. This one has stood up very well and is only marginally more expensive than the cheapo's. Wheeler Wrench: http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/773840/wheeler-engineering-delta-series-multi-tool-ar-15-steel?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Gunsmithing+-+Tools%2C+Jigs+%26+Fixtures-_-Wheeler+Engineering-_-773840&gclid=CN6RwsyTqtACFQSKaQodc8ADiw Roll Pin Punch Sets:I started out with a punch set from Harbor Freight and they do work pretty well but they are unforgiving if you slip off the roll pin and they will leave a mark on your receiver. Then I went to the anti slip punch set. They have a rounded tip that is supposed to help prevent the punch from slipping off of the roll pin but I discovered that if you don't select the right size and you're not careful, these punches will splay your roll pin out and make it even more difficult to drive in. I bought a third set of punches that are recessed tips for holding the roll pin in the tip to get them started without slipping or dropping the roll pin. These starter punches are a god send and I highly recommend them, however you have to use a different punch to finish driving the roll pin flush. Anti Slip: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E4O7VLS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Standard: http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-punch-set-93424.htmlStart Recessed Set (must have!): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BL4TW3Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Geissele Reaction Rod: These are a little spendy for a cheapskate like me but I finally broke down and bought one. I do not regret it. It is worth every penny when it comes to torquing barrels or muzzle devices or just any upper receiver work in general, to include mounting rails. Unlike a magazine vice block (which work okay. I still have one), the reaction rod puts all the torque and pressure on the chamber lugs of the barrel. The magazine vice block transfers the pressure to the receivers, pins and mag well. The reaction rod and chamber lugs allow for less play/slop when working on the receiver and are much better suited to withstand pressure and torque than the magazine vice block. If you patient and cheap like me, the reaction rod can be bought used or on sale for as little as $60-$75 Geissele Reaction Rod: http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/barrel-tools/ar-15-m16-reaction-rod-prod55168.aspx Neodymium/Molybdenum Magnet:I have several extra strength Neodymium magnets that I use when AR smithing, or finding lost parts. You would be surprised at how handy and the variety of uses you can find for these. Sometimes I just stick it on the tool I'm using to magnetize it if I'm in a situation where it might prevent me from losing a part or assist in placing a part or screw in a tight spot. Neodymium Magnets: http://www.kjmagnetics.com/I will add more suggested tools as I think of them...
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Mon Nov 14, 2016 11:10 pm |
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edogg
Site Supporter
Location: Central FL Joined: Sun Apr 7, 2013 Posts: 3207
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I've got a small set of Grace gunsmith screwdrivers which are awesome. They are made in USA and will last forever. If you don't see a specific set in their catalog, you can email them and they'll customize one for you. They made a set for me that has all the sizes used on vintage Marlin rifles. If I remember right, they are reasonably priced too. http://www.graceusatools.com/product-ca ... egory_id=1Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Mon Nov 14, 2016 11:31 pm |
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mcyclonegt
Site Supporter
Location: West Olympia Joined: Mon May 28, 2012 Posts: 6816
Real Name: Matt
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When you come back out i'll show you mine. They have served me well.
_________________ "I'm Hub McCann. I've fought in two World Wars and countless smaller ones on three continents. I led thousands of men into battle with everything from horses and swords to artillery and TANKS! I've seen the headwaters of the Nile, and tribes of natives no white man had ever seen before. I've won and lost a dozen fortunes, KILLED MANY MEN! And loved only one woman, with a passion a FLEA like you could never begin to understand. That's who I am. NOW, GO HOME, BOY!"
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones". Albert Einstein 1947
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Tue Nov 15, 2016 1:18 am |
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edogg
Site Supporter
Location: Central FL Joined: Sun Apr 7, 2013 Posts: 3207
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mcyclonegt wrote: When you come back out i'll show you mine. They have served me well. Dude, nobody wants to see your tool! Put that thing away! :) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Tue Nov 15, 2016 6:00 am |
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GeekWithGuns
Site Supporter
Location: Round Rock, TX Joined: Thu Mar 5, 2015 Posts: 3899
Real Name: Dave
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I've gradually come around to the high quality American and German made tool camp. More expensive but the quality is undoubtedly higher. Buy once, cry once. Someone mentioned the Grace drivers. Very nice set, great quality. Another option is also worth a mention. Brownell's sells an outstanding Magna-Tip set in several different options. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/magna-tip-sets/magna-tip-super-sets--prod417.aspxSuper high quality, lifetime tools. What's really nice about this set is the sheer variety of tips in different widths and thicknesses. You will never be wanting for the right driver for the job at hand given the seemingly endless differences in various receiver screws. Puts an end to marred receivers or screw heads. The larger kits also include hex head bits which are really handy. The case is very compact making it easy to take to the range. Another thing I've found really handy is hex wrenches. Bondhus makes really awesome hex wrenches, both in L-shape and T-handle: Here's an SAE t-handle set: https://www.amazon.com/Bondhus-13390-T-handles-Stand-8-Inch/dp/B00012WYEC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1479220139&sr=8-5&keywords=bondhus+allen+wrenchesMetric t-handle set: https://www.amazon.com/Bondhus-13389-T-handles-Stand-2-10mm/dp/B00012Y38C/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1479220139&sr=8-6&keywords=bondhus+allen+wrenchesFor punches I've picked up several Starrett sets over time. Brownell's has a great selection of drive punch sets, both steel and brass, at different price points: http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/index.htmAs an aside, if you're into quality tools both Wera and Wiha make outstanding fixed blade screwdrivers. They're like a dream after a lifetime of handling crappy quality drivers with hard plastic handles. NWS and Knipex make outstanding pliers. Grip-On makes incredible vise grips. Here's a great site if you like quality hand tools: https://chadstoolbox.com/
_________________ There are dead horses yet to be slain.... - NWGunner
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Tue Nov 15, 2016 6:52 am |
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Barfly
Site Supporter
Location: Lacey Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 Posts: 2288
Real Name: Jim
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I like the idea of having a set of high quality gunsmithing tools, but because of budget constraints, I'm simply looking for adequate for now. I want something better than say Harbor Freight quality, but can't afford top of the line just yet.
I appreciate all the suggestions. I will see about hitting some holiday sales and getting myself a good introductory set to begin with. I just want to be able to do some basic parts replacements and modifications for now. Standard assembly, etc. Perhaps down the road, I will get a little more adventurous and start building a better set of tools as my skills grow.
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Tue Nov 15, 2016 8:53 am |
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GeekWithGuns
Site Supporter
Location: Round Rock, TX Joined: Thu Mar 5, 2015 Posts: 3899
Real Name: Dave
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Barfly wrote: I like the idea of having a set of high quality gunsmithing tools, but because of budget constraints, I'm simply looking for adequate for now. I want something better than say Harbor Freight quality, but can't afford top of the line just yet.
I appreciate all the suggestions. I will see about hitting some holiday sales and getting myself a good introductory set to begin with. I just want to be able to do some basic parts replacements and modifications for now. Standard assembly, etc. Perhaps down the road, I will get a little more adventurous and start building a better set of tools as my skills grow. That's the route I've gone over time as well. I started with budget tools when i was younger with money being tight and over time have gradually upgraded to higher quality tools as money allows. It's easier picking stuff up piece by piece as you can afford it. I would recommend first purchase being a good set of screwdrivers, whichever set you decide on. Proper fitting drivers goes a long ways towards preventing marred screw heads and especially receivers.
_________________ There are dead horses yet to be slain.... - NWGunner
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Tue Nov 15, 2016 9:01 am |
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dreadi
Site Supporter / FFL Dealer
Location: Tacoma, Washington Joined: Fri Nov 21, 2014 Posts: 8328
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About a year ago I bought a Brownells set of gunsmithing bits and a couple drivers. I got the full set because I didn't know what I was getting into needing to do some maintenance on a original Winchester 1873. You can't go wrong with a good set of drivers. You can tell a good Bubba job by how jacked up the screw heads are. I didn't want to be Bubba, Forrest, or Lieutenant Dan. So I bought these http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/magna-tip-sets/58-bit-master-set-plus-w-hollow-handle-sku080112084-417-1910.aspx?sku=080112084I also bought a set of Grace brass punches and Grace steel punches from Brownells. Having real punches is like getting real chef knives.
_________________BLACK HAMMER ARMSBuy A Suppressor http://www.silencershop.com/blackhammerarmsType 7 Class 2 SOT NFA Dealer 1911 Pistolsmithing Firearm Refinishing GLOCK Certified Armorer CMMG Authorized Dealer NEMO Arms Authorized Dealer http://www.blackhammerarms.comhttp://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarmshttps://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms/
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Tue Nov 15, 2016 9:57 am |
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Soldier_Citizen
Site Supporter
Location: south 'merca Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2012 Posts: 9736
Real Name: Mike
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A big vice, vice blocks, painters tape, a magnet, work bench(preferred with a raised lip so shit doesn't roll off), magnets so when shit gets lost in the carpet or the fucking spring ends up under the fridge, utility knife blade(useful for the front take down pin installation). Lots of patience, and music
_________________"No Quarter, No Mercy" mash_man wrote: #gangbangerlivesmatter
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Tue Nov 15, 2016 12:12 pm |
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Tonydec
Location: Tacoma Joined: Wed Jun 4, 2014 Posts: 483
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I don't even know if they still make them, but the Chapman screwdriver sets are a good start, reasonably priced too. The small set I have has just 17 bits, has a nice small case that fits in my range bag without being a space hog. They offer more bits in a small roll bag. It has covered almost everything I have needed. I have a larger Wheeler kit for at home, 68 bits. The quality on the Chapman bits seem a little better to me.
I 2nd the Geissele Action rod, much better (IMHO) than the upper receiver clamps. One of the biggest advantages is not having to remove any optics or sights to use it. Just swapped out a flash hider for a friend today, easy peasy, no re-zero needed.
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Tue Nov 15, 2016 2:14 pm |
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