Courtesy of
@Wallace
NOT MY CONTENT
Here are the
"basic" tools I would suggest. A big chunk of this is the Magpul wrench, but after buying one, I can really say its worth the money. Simple solid tool you shouldn't have to replace, unlike the Chinese Amazon ones...
Note: I am assuming you already have a 4"+ bench vice, and a small set of SAE hex keys (sometimes you may need a metric set), and red/blue loctite. I know its more than the $100 I noted earlier, but these would last you quite a while. If you didn't want to spend that much, dumping the vice jaws and Magpul wrench for the Brownells USGI wrench, would also give you a descent setup.
You can source ALOT of this for cheaper, like the vice jaws (like $10 from Homedepot.com vs $15 on Amazon).
Also, PSA's lower receiver blocks and clamshell are super solid. Amazon only had this SOPMOD block set for $10, not sure how well it would hold up. I bought my PSA set quite a few years ago on sale for $19. Not sure they sell the "PSA" brand ones anymore though...This is just a visual starter list.
I only use the PSA lower block these days, and bought a Geissele reaction rod, but those are ≈$100 not on sale vs $10 for a clamshell. They are WAY more convenient, but, like most good tools, they cost alot...
- Magpul wrench: Installing/removing GI barrel nuts as well as many free float tube nuts. Open ended so you don't have to have a FSB/gas block removed to use (like some wrenches PRI, others make). Also, has a flash hider and castle nut provision on the other end. Lastly, 1/2 drive input for a torque wrench with torque specs on the tool its self (always reference install instruction though as certain products do not share the same torque values)
-Rubber vice jaws: Great for general items like bolt guns, pistol barrels, and longer AR barrels or shorter un-installed barrels. Work great for misc home/auto parts too!
-Roll pin STARTER punches. I have that cheap set below. They are pretty short, but will save you from ruining roll pins regardless. That set will work on all mil-spec sized rollpins to assemble an AR. The bolt catch side needs to be covered in tape in case you miss the punch with the hammer, but this will virtually eliminate screw ups as long as things are lined up.
-Receiver blocks/clamshell: The lower blocks are great. Depending on your vice you can actually angle them to make installing parts much easier. They make FCG install/swaps a breeze, mag catch, as well as the safety/grip install. Side note, clamshell vices work, I have used mine ALOT, but, they are not as handy and a Geissele reaction rod. The upper goes in 1 way, and you are pretty much stuck with a standard shape forged upper (flat top or A2). Billet is 99% sure not to fit. Also, the stress of torquing the barrel nut/flash hiders all get put on the receiver. I personally never had a failure, but I could definitely see how if you had to crank one down to 80ft/lbs for alignment.
-Aeroshell 33ms. A little goes A LONG WAY. No need for a full tube. I find it applies best with the $1.85 plumber flux brushes you can get at ACE Hardware. Use on castle and barrel nuts.
-1/4 clevis pin. Make your pivot pin install a no-brainer. No need for a special $10 tool. Just this clevis pin and a punch, and you are done. ACE, Lowes, Home Depot all have them.
-Grace USA roll pin punches. DO NOT get a set of cheap ass punches. Buy once, cry once. These are THE best bang for the buck punches. They make alto nicer ones, but for the money, these are super solid. They have centering balls on the end to keep the punch from sliding off. Also, the steel is quality, so they are way less prone to bending, unlike the no name Harbor Freight/Amazon tools which bend with medium tapping. This will make your life so much nicer whenever you run across roll pins...
-Lyman hammer: That hammer is enough weight for 99% of firearms projects, but not too large as to Hulk smash your shit. Its also not too small that you have to smack punches for days trying to drift things in. The heads are solid/replaceable, and adding some blue loctite keeps them from spinning off during use.
View attachment 18743
Also, Amazon doesn't have these, but I like the Wheeler block. Its very sturdy and a a good bit of features to aid in installing parts on a lower or FSB.
Below is from Midway USA, you can also pick them up from Academy for the same price.
The biggest help these provide is to hold the lower vertical for the bolt catch install, as well as supporting the trigger guard tang so it doesn't break off during install.
View attachment 18744
