[Newman31B]

Hey guys was wondering if you guys could give me any helpful tips on building my first AR15. I bought a PSA kit and im planning on picking some tools up soon that im missing. Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[Beowolf1911]

I built mine with a large channel lock the punch from and ak cleaning kit a mallet and a castle nut wrench. As long as you are getting a pre assembled upper you don't need much. Here is a good guide.
https://www.pewpewtactical.com/build-ar-15-lower-receiver/

 

[Rachgier]

Armorer's wrench, torque wrench, a set of punches, a dead blow hammer, and a set of vice blocks is relatively cheap. Especially if you plan on doing maintenance and parts upgrades/changes. They also come in handy for other shit.

 

[Newman31B]

Armorer's wrench, torque wrench, a set of punches, a dead blow hammer, and a set of vice blocks is relatively cheap. Especially if you plan on doing maintenance and parts upgrades/changes. They also come in handy for other shit.

Im building up my tools collection still. I need to add all of those eventually. Good call.

 

[greg_r]

What @Rachgier said. Once you build one, you will likely build more and a basic tool kit will be appreciated. Also for maintenance and all the other 'tinkering' you will do once the bug bites you.

Brownells puts out a good series of videos on AR assembly. As does MidwayUSA. I like Larry Potterfields laid back way of teaching. Here is a link to his video library.

https://www.midwayusa.com/video-library

 

[ajole]

If you are assembling the upper, get the right wrench for your handguard/barrel nut. I have 5 different types or sizes, but only have ever used 3.
That, and vice blocks, are really the only specialized kit needed.

As Rach and others said...punch set, roll pin starter punch set, light weight dead blow non-marring hammer, channel locks and a torque wrench will get you there.

here's what I wish I had started with.

 

[greg_r]

If you are assembling the upper, get the right wrench for your handguard/barrel nut. I have 5 different types or sizes, but only have ever used 3.
That, and vice blocks, are really the only specialized kit needed.

As Rach and others said...punch set, roll pin starter punch set, light weight dead blow non-marring hammer, channel locks and a torque wrench will get you there.

here's what I wish I had started with.

How about a link to that set @ajole

I need to replace my old kit and that looks like it may just do the job!

 

[ajole]

How about a link to that set @ajole

I need to replace my old kit and that looks like it may just do the job!

https://www.amazon.com/SEDY-19-Piec...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

There's a Wheeler branded on as well, but it doesn't have the hollow tip starter punches for roll pins.

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Hamm...9AH3WFXV4DW&qid=1584198927&s=hi&tag=bgr0a0-20

 

[greg_r]

https://www.amazon.com/SEDY-19-Piec...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

There's a Wheeler branded on as well, but it doesn't have the hollow tip starter punches for roll pins.

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Hamm...9AH3WFXV4DW&qid=1584198927&s=hi&tag=bgr0a0-20

Thanks. I have this one.

Been a good one but I broke 2 of the fine steel pins and bent a brass one. Not working on AR's, but on the Moona Mosin Psuedo Scout. Mother Russia did not want it coming apart! Not the tools fault, it was mine. I abused the tools.

I have the Squirrel Daddy roll pin punch set, think I will go with the Wheeler set. Thanks @ajole !

 

[ajole]

The short Squirrel Daddy set is what I have too. Craftsman long punches from long ago, and some cheap Harbor Freight rubber mallet.

 

[cicpup]

I have yet to use a punch while assembling an AR. A pair of channel locks with the dangerous ends wrapped in masking tape is all I've ever needed to push in pins. Now disassembly is a different story.

 

[greg_r]

I have yet to use a punch while assembling an AR. A pair of channel locks with the dangerous ends wrapped in masking tape is all I've ever needed to push in pins. Now disassembly is a different story.

Channel locks work well. They can cause uneven pressure if you are not careful and do not adjust them properly. . There is a type of channel locks where the jaws work parallel. I would like to have a pair of those, but they are expensive.

 

[cicpup]

Channel locks work well. They can cause uneven pressure if you are not careful and do not adjust them properly. . There is a type of channel locks where the jaws work parallel. I would like to have a pair of those, but they are expensive.

6 different grip sizes and several different angles depending on just how you hold them. Always been enough for me.

 

[greg_r]

6 different grip sizes and several different angles depending on just how you hold them. Always been enough for me.

Like I said. They work well, if adjusted right. I have seen the ears broken off the trigger guard because they were not. You had no trouble because you did it right.

 

[ajole]

I use the roll pin starter to start the bolt release or trigger guard, then channel locks to finish.
I use the 1/4 inch punch, IIRC, to hold the detent in the front pivot pin.

 

[Newman31B]

Got it all built up last night. Was quite the pain getting the front take down pin in other than that not too bad. I did a full functions test and everything worked right. Does that mean everything is good to go?

 

[ajole]

If you did the check right, then yes.:clap:

 

[Newman31B]

If you did the check right, then yes.:clap:

That makes me feel better, if there's one thing i know like the back of my hand its a functions check.

 

[Rachgier]

That makes me feel better, if there's one thing i know like the back of my hand its a functions check.

Not if you second guessed yourself it doesn't.

 

[Newman31B]

Not if you second guessed yourself it doesn't.

I followed a video by Armslist to the T. I was not confused on any part, I have and extra spring and deet that i have no idea why i would. Every piece functions perfectly as it should.