Tool Kit Advice

[mchljrdn]

I'm getting ready to purchase equipment to assemble DPMS pattern AR's.   Let me know what I'm missing or if I should scratch anything off my list please.

 

https://www.opticsplanet.com/wheeler-delta-ar-10-mag-well-vise-block.html

https://www.opticsplanet.com/wheeler-ar-armorers-vise.html

https://www.opticsplanet.com/caldwell-wheeler-roll-pin-starter-set-710910.html

https://www.opticsplanet.com/gas-block-genie-gas-block-alignment-tool-for-ar-15.html

https://www.opticsplanet.com/leapers-utg-armorers-multi-function-combo-wrench.html

[COBrien]

That's a good start. Inevitably, no matter how many tool recommendations you get, you'll find something you forgot (while you're in the middle of a build, and probably late on a Saturday or Sunday night...). You will need a torque wrench, BTW. And I like to have an inch-pound torque driver/wrench on hand, as well for gas block set/clamp screws, handguard hardware, sights, scope rings, etc.

Having said that, and I'm trying to be careful here...

Caldwell makes good "starter" tools. I'm not talking about the vise blocks and other fixtures -- those are probably good to go. Their hand tools, though... Eh.

IME, the Caldwell roll pin punches are prone to bending, and the paint (yes, paint...) won't last through the first build. After bending or mushrooming a couple of punches from my Caldwell set, I picked up a good set of punches from Grace USA: https://www.opticsplanet.com/grace-usa-16-piece-ar-15-punch-hammer-set-w-bench-block.html They're not cheap, but they're damn fine tools. And they come with a bench block and a quality hammer.

Buy yourself a good magnetic bench block, as well. I have a few, but find myself reaching for this one 90% of the time: https://www.opticsplanet.com/real-avid-smart-bench-block.html

For vise blocks, I use a set from No-MAR: https://www.plastixrevolution.net/collections/ar10-upper-receiver-vise-blocks/products/223-ar-15-308-ar-10-upper-receiver-vise-block

I also have a No-MAR lower vise block: https://www.plastixrevolution.net/collections/ar15-ar10-lower-receiver-vise-blocks/products/ar10-sr25-lower-receiver-vise-block

All used in a 4" bench vise, bolted to my workbench. With magnetic vise jaws: https://www.amazon.com/Vise-Jaws-Multipurpose-Reversible-Available/dp/B018QNM7V2/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/139-3663406-1318522?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B018QNM7V2&pd_rd_r=2524bca2-6a82-48a1-9313-f2e33cdfa375&pd_rd_w=0lSYy&pd_rd_wg=KJLG5&pf_rd_p=fd08095f-55ff-4a15-9b49-4a1a719225a9&pf_rd_r=5DA9FV1WES5ZG25ZHMPA&psc=1&refRID=5DA9FV1WES5ZG25ZHMPA

The Gas Block Genie is a great tool. I'm still waiting for them to release their 0.625" and 0.875" versions...

Also, if your barrel nut requires aligning a relief or hole for the gas tube, this tool from Squirrel Daddy is amazing: https://www.squirreldaddy.com/Gas-Tube-Alignment-Gage-Pin-p/sd20-196.htm

Finally, a good pivot pin detent tool will save you a ton of heartache... https://www.squirreldaddy.com/308-Detent-pin-and-spring-installation-tool-p/sd20-181.htm

 

I am an admitted "tool queer," so I could go on. And on. And on. But between what you've posted and what I've shared above, you should be able to get your build rolling with the bare minimum of yelling, cussing, and throwing shite.

[mchljrdn]

25 minutes ago, COBrien said:

That's a good start. Inevitably, no matter how many tool recommendations you get, you'll find something you forgot (while you're in the middle of a build, and probably late on a Saturday or Sunday night...). You will need a torque wrench, BTW. And I like to have an inch-pound torque driver/wrench on hand, as well for gas block set/clamp screws, handguard hardware, sights, scope rings, etc.

Having said that, and I'm trying to be careful here...

Caldwell makes good "starter" tools. I'm not talking about the vise blocks and other fixtures -- those are probably good to go. Their hand tools, though... Eh.

IME, the Caldwell roll pin punches are prone to bending, and the paint (yes, paint...) won't last through the first build. After bending or mushrooming a couple of punches from my Caldwell set, I picked up a good set of punches from Grace USA: https://www.opticsplanet.com/grace-usa-16-piece-ar-15-punch-hammer-set-w-bench-block.html They're not cheap, but they're damn fine tools. And they come with a bench block and a quality hammer.

Buy yourself a good magnetic bench block, as well. I have a few, but find myself reaching for this one 90% of the time: https://www.opticsplanet.com/real-avid-smart-bench-block.html

For vise blocks, I use a set from No-MAR: https://www.plastixrevolution.net/collections/ar10-upper-receiver-vise-blocks/products/223-ar-15-308-ar-10-upper-receiver-vise-block

I also have a No-MAR lower vise block: https://www.plastixrevolution.net/collections/ar15-ar10-lower-receiver-vise-blocks/products/ar10-sr25-lower-receiver-vise-block

All used in a 4" bench vise, bolted to my workbench. With magnetic vise jaws: https://www.amazon.com/Vise-Jaws-Multipurpose-Reversible-Available/dp/B018QNM7V2/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/139-3663406-1318522?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B018QNM7V2&pd_rd_r=2524bca2-6a82-48a1-9313-f2e33cdfa375&pd_rd_w=0lSYy&pd_rd_wg=KJLG5&pf_rd_p=fd08095f-55ff-4a15-9b49-4a1a719225a9&pf_rd_r=5DA9FV1WES5ZG25ZHMPA&psc=1&refRID=5DA9FV1WES5ZG25ZHMPA

The Gas Block Genie is a great tool. I'm still waiting for them to release their 0.625" and 0.875" versions...

Also, if your barrel nut requires aligning a relief or hole for the gas tube, this tool from Squirrel Daddy is amazing: https://www.squirreldaddy.com/Gas-Tube-Alignment-Gage-Pin-p/sd20-196.htm

Finally, a good pivot pin detent tool will save you a ton of heartache... https://www.squirreldaddy.com/308-Detent-pin-and-spring-installation-tool-p/sd20-181.htm

 

I am an admitted "tool queer," so I could go on. And on. And on. But between what you've posted and what I've shared above, you should be able to get your build rolling with the bare minimum of yelling, cussing, and throwing shite.

Thanks for the input!  I'd rather buy once - can't stand bad tools.  I have a 4" vice on a workbench - would you recommend purchasing the No-Mar and scrapping the Wheeler vice?  Do you have specific recommendations for the torque wrench and driver/wrench?  

[unforgiven]

3 hours ago, COBrien said:

That's a good start. Inevitably, no matter how many tool recommendations you get, you'll find something you forgot (while you're in the middle of a build, and probably late on a Saturday or Sunday night...). You will need a torque wrench, BTW. And I like to have an inch-pound torque driver/wrench on hand, as well for gas block set/clamp screws, handguard hardware, sights, scope rings, etc.

Having said that, and I'm trying to be careful here...

Caldwell makes good "starter" tools. I'm not talking about the vise blocks and other fixtures -- those are probably good to go. Their hand tools, though... Eh.

IME, the Caldwell roll pin punches are prone to bending, and the paint (yes, paint...) won't last through the first build. After bending or mushrooming a couple of punches from my Caldwell set, I picked up a good set of punches from Grace USA: https://www.opticsplanet.com/grace-usa-16-piece-ar-15-punch-hammer-set-w-bench-block.html They're not cheap, but they're damn fine tools. And they come with a bench block and a quality hammer.

Buy yourself a good magnetic bench block, as well. I have a few, but find myself reaching for this one 90% of the time: https://www.opticsplanet.com/real-avid-smart-bench-block.html

For vise blocks, I use a set from No-MAR: https://www.plastixrevolution.net/collections/ar10-upper-receiver-vise-blocks/products/223-ar-15-308-ar-10-upper-receiver-vise-block

I also have a No-MAR lower vise block: https://www.plastixrevolution.net/collections/ar15-ar10-lower-receiver-vise-blocks/products/ar10-sr25-lower-receiver-vise-block

All used in a 4" bench vise, bolted to my workbench. With magnetic vise jaws: https://www.amazon.com/Vise-Jaws-Multipurpose-Reversible-Available/dp/B018QNM7V2/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/139-3663406-1318522?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B018QNM7V2&pd_rd_r=2524bca2-6a82-48a1-9313-f2e33cdfa375&pd_rd_w=0lSYy&pd_rd_wg=KJLG5&pf_rd_p=fd08095f-55ff-4a15-9b49-4a1a719225a9&pf_rd_r=5DA9FV1WES5ZG25ZHMPA&psc=1&refRID=5DA9FV1WES5ZG25ZHMPA

The Gas Block Genie is a great tool. I'm still waiting for them to release their 0.625" and 0.875" versions...

Also, if your barrel nut requires aligning a relief or hole for the gas tube, this tool from Squirrel Daddy is amazing: https://www.squirreldaddy.com/Gas-Tube-Alignment-Gage-Pin-p/sd20-196.htm

Finally, a good pivot pin detent tool will save you a ton of heartache... https://www.squirreldaddy.com/308-Detent-pin-and-spring-installation-tool-p/sd20-181.htm

 

I am an admitted "tool queer," so I could go on. And on. And on. But between what you've posted and what I've shared above, you should be able to get your build rolling with the bare minimum of yelling, cussing, and throwing shite.

Great links brother

[COBrien]

3 hours ago, mchljrdn said:

Thanks for the input!  I'd rather buy once - can't stand bad tools.  I have a 4" vice on a workbench - would you recommend purchasing the No-Mar and scrapping the Wheeler vice?  Do you have specific recommendations for the torque wrench and driver/wrench?  

Let me start by saying I tend to be a cheap-ass, with expensive tastes.

While the Wheeler armorer's vise is a neat product, you can accomplish the same thing with a set of vise blocks and a hold-open device: https://www.fulton-armory.com/cleaning-hold-open-device-ar-15-308-ar-j-dewey.aspx
(That's a link to Fulton Armory, but it's a Dewey product -- you can find those lots of places, for less than Fulton wants for it...)

As far as a torque wrench, I'll probably get lambasted here. But oh well -- it works for my builds. I use a mid-range click-type 1/2" drive torque wrench (the same one I use for automotive projects). Most recommend a beam-type, but I used what I had and I haven't had any issues yet. To be clear: I'm not recommending you use a click-type torque wrench, as that's technically incorrect. I'm just saying I've used it on 4 complete builds and at least half-a-dozen handguard and/or barrel swaps, and so far none of those rifles has been set alight by the ghost of Eugene Stoner...

Long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away from 308ARs (the 10/22 galaxy), I bought a pre-loved Proto 6106 torque driver on that all-too-common-yet-not-linkable-here online auction website -- with a calibration statement -- for, like, $70. Brand new, they run $275ish.

I've heard mixed reviews of the Wheeler FAT Wrench. But, while Googling, I did come across this Husky 1/4" hex torque screwdriver that has some pretty good reviews: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-4-in-Hex-Inch-Torque-Screw-Driver-H4DTRQ/204772217

Edited March 9, 2020 by COBrien

[mchljrdn]

Thanks for the advice all.  I was given a set of Tekton Gunsmith Punches so I guess I'll try those out.

My list currently is.

https://www.plastixrevolution.net/collections/combo-smith-tools/products/multical-223-308-ar15-ar10-upper-lower-vise-blocks

https://www.squirreldaddy.com/Gas-Tube-Alignment-Gage-Pin-p/sd20-196.htm?CartID=1

https://www.opticsplanet.com/real-avid-smart-bench-block.html

https://www.opticsplanet.com/wheeler-ar-armorers-vise.html

https://www.opticsplanet.com/wheeler-delta-ar-10-mag-well-vise-block.html

https://www.opticsplanet.com/gas-block-genie-gas-block-alignment-tool-for-ar-15.html

https://www.opticsplanet.com/leapers-utg-armorers-multi-function-combo-wrench.html

Still trying to decide what I want to do on the torque tools.  Any advice before I start spending - and presumably get beaten by my wife 🙂

 

[98Z5V]

Quality torque wrench for locking down barrel nuts - barrel nut range is HUGE, at 30~80lb/ft, so that part of it isn't really a big real - with such a huge range to hit.  Look for something in the proper range, too, because all torque wrenches are least accurate in the bottom 20% of their range.  That includes Snap-On, which is all I use - I have them for work, not guns, but they get used on my guns, too.

For small shiit like scope mounts and things like that, go for quality.  By once, cry once.  My 1/4" drive Snap-On torque wrench has a range of 40in/lb to 200in/lb - way too high to use on scope mounts and rings, which are typically 25in/lb numbers.  Sometimes as low as 15in/lb on some mounts.  That badass little torque wrench doesn't even go down that far - and it's bottom 20% is the least accurate...

For stuff like that, I have this Snap-On QDRIVER4 - <<<that's the model number.  It's range is 5~40in/lb.

The bottom 20% of that would go up to 12in/lb, but I use it to install windshield screws that cannot go over 6in/lb, or it can crack the plexiglass windshield - haven't cracked one yet.

 

 

Edited March 10, 2020 by 98Z5V

[kaocsd]

This was my question for why I joined.  I currently have a https://www.realavid.com/product/ar15-armorers-master-kit/. I need to get upper/lower vise blocks, but anything else I need that this kit won't cover? 

[98Z5V]

4 hours ago, kaocsd said:

This was my question for why I joined.  I currently have a https://www.realavid.com/product/ar15-armorers-master-kit/. I need to get upper/lower vise blocks, but anything else I need that this kit won't cover? 

RealAvid making some really great AR tools, and I've been eyeing them for over a year now at the local Sportsman's Warehouse stores - those guys carry them.  I've almost pulled the trigger on a few of those armorer's blocks that they have.  That kit is pretty complete, if you're starting with no AR tools, and you could easily cross a $250 barrier trying to piece all that together from scratch.  It's worth it, worth the money, especially that "reaction rod" version that they have - but keep in mind that's all AR15-related stuff. Many tools in that kit will cross over to .308ARs, but that action rod won't.  Still not a detractor from that kit, and it's price, though.  You're covered for small-frame ARs with it.

If I didn't have all the stuff I already do, I'd buy that kit.  I'll still get a couple of their field tools, and some of those armorer's block that they make.  It's good stuff.

[kaocsd]

4 hours ago, 98Z5V said:

RealAvid making some really great AR tools, and I've been eyeing them for over a year now at the local Sportsman's Warehouse stores - those guys carry them.  I've almost pulled the trigger on a few of those armorer's blocks that they have.  That kit is pretty complete, if you're starting with no AR tools, and you could easily cross a $250 barrier trying to piece all that together from scratch.  It's worth it, worth the money, especially that "reaction rod" version that they have - but keep in mind that's all AR15-related stuff. Many tools in that kit will cross over to .308ARs, but that action rod won't.  Still not a detractor from that kit, and it's price, though.  You're covered for small-frame ARs with it.

If I didn't have all the stuff I already do, I'd buy that kit.  I'll still get a couple of their field tools, and some of those armorer's block that they make.  It's good stuff.

I already own the the kit, and its great, my question was what do I need besides the blocks to build the .308AR.  This is the first time diving into the larger frame and I have only built 2 AR15s. 

[gnumadic]

I just ordered the PlastiXrevolution upper/lower vise blocks based on the recommendations in this post. Thanks! I've built several AR-15 patterned rifles and have collected all the tools needed for an AR-308 build--except for a vise block. My Magpul Bev Block won't work of course. I debated getting a reaction rod style device, but I'm not sold on them (except maybe the Midwest Industries rod that locks into both the barrel extension and the top of the receiver). Those are not only expensive, but they're out of stock. I'd rather put the money into a bigger vise.

[sketch]

reaction rod has been a solid tool! if you have one ar I can see the cost scarry but its so nice to do work on many upper mods and changes to muzzel devices.. a solid vise locked down to a work bench is the first priority. tourqe values count.

[Joshua]

I finally have the rest of the parts needed to start building my lower receiver. However I don't have any armorer's tools. I expected to need to purchase a vise with upper/lower blocks, armorer's wrench, punch set, and a torque wrench. 

On 4/3/2013 at 8:29 PM, Robocop1051 said:

You don't need all that stuff. You can use a gas tube the same way you use a barrel nut alignment gauge. The lower receiver doesn't need a block. There's no reason to put it in a vice. You don't need a special tool for the detent pins. A small punch or even a large paper clip, and some patience, will work just fine.

 

A barrel nut wrench is a must have for all builders.

 

The rest of the rifle can be completed with regular tools, ie crescent/box/allen wrenches and screw drivers.

Can I get away without a lower vise block? How would you torque down the buffer tube without the lower in a block?

On 5/1/2021 at 4:08 PM, Joshua said:

I've spent the past few weeks reading up everything, and this is what I have so far. This is tentative. Naturally things may be substituted as things come in stock or go on sale. This is my first rifle build, so any input is great. Purpose is primarily hunting SC game. I would like stay under 2k including optics. Thanks!

• AP Stripped Lower
• AP Assembled Upper
• AP Atlas S-One M-lok 12" Handguard          12" or 15"?
• AP 16" CMV Barrel Mid-length                      16" or 18"
• AP LPK Minus FCG/Grip
• Bad-Ass-Pro Ambi Safety
• LaRue MBT-2S Trigger
• ERGO Sure Grip Gen 2 Ambi
• Magpul CTR Carbine Stock                            I would especially like help concerning the stock,
• AP Enhanced Carbine Buffer Kit                   gas system, and buffer kit.
• Melonite Gas Tube Rifle
• .750 Low Profile Gas Block
• AP Ambi Charging Handle
• AP BCG Nitride
• VG6 Gamma 762
• Magpul PMAG 20 rd

Above quote is just my parts list. Buffer kit swapped with Armalite buffer kit. This is my first build so I'm trying to stay light on tools in case I discover that building rifles isn't for me. I doubt that's the way it'll go, but I don't want to overextend.

[Joshua]

Has anyone used this?

https://www.brownells.com/manufacturers/pro%2bmag/index.htm

It's seems too cheap.

[98Z5V]

That was a link to everything-Pro Mag that Brownells has - but not to a specific tool.   Which one are you talking about?

[Joshua]

1 hour ago, 98Z5V said:

That was a link to everything-Pro Mag that Brownells has - but not to a specific tool.   Which one are you talking about?

That weird. I copied the link directly from the product page. It is the .308 lower receiver vise block.

[Black_Sheep]

This ProMag Vise Block ?

I have one, it's an unremarkable piece of plastic that does exactly what it needs to do. Having a fixture to hold the lower absolutely makes life easier. 

This Wheeler upper vise block also seems to make life a bit easier.

In addition to the above items, here's a somewhat comprehensive list of things in my firearms tool kit: Both ft/lb and in/lb torque wrenches, T-Handle hex wrenches, T Handle TORX wrenches, roll pin starter punches, roll pin punches, small standard punches, small hammer, pivot pin detent tool, barrel nut alignment gauge, reaction rod, armorers tool, automatic center punch, dial caliper, scope leveling tool, gunsmithing screwdriver set.

There's some special purpose handgun tools in there as well. 

 

[98Z5V]

40 minutes ago, Black_Sheep said:

This ProMag Vise Block ?

 

That thing is legit - one at the gun shop, and it gets used ALOT. 

For upper work, I'm stuck on Reaction Rods.  Nothing better, IMHO.

[Joshua]

Yeah that's the one. I'm eyeballing a .308 wrench/receiver rod combo at Brownells as well. Hopefully that should get me through the rest of the build.

[98Z5V]

15 hours ago, Joshua said:

Yeah that's the one. I'm eyeballing a .308 wrench/receiver rod combo at Brownells as well. Hopefully that should get me through the rest of the build.

The Brownells version is a good piece.  It's a fraction of what the Geissele version costs, and does the exact same job.  You can't go wrong with it. 

[MaineMan2]

On 5/3/2020 at 1:14 AM, sketch said:

reaction rod has been a solid tool! if you have one ar I can see the cost scarry but its so nice to do work on many upper mods and changes to muzzel devices.. a solid vise locked down to a work bench is the first priority. tourqe values count.

Expensive but far and away the best tool for installing/removing barrels and muzzle devices. The Midwest Industries version engages the barrel extension and the entire slot inside the upper receiver. So much better than putting a clamshell around the upper that may or may not fit right. 

This buffer tube clamp is useful as well, especially for any collapsible stock tube.  I like being able to rotate the lower instead of being stuck with it upright.

https://botach.com/kz-ar15-m4-receiver-extension-buffer-tube-block/