Gunsmithing tools

Sprint 6

Well-known Member
I am in the market for AR 15 building and maintenance tools. I would like to buy this as a set then add what I need versus buying piece by piece. I am getting into this as a hobby, not professionally, so would like a reasonable cost. I kind of got sticker shock looking at Brownell's site. Most of these tools seem pretty simple, so the pricing would make Snap-On blush. I see a Wheeler's Pro set on Amazon, but it seems to have lackluster reviews. I also know those reviews can be caused by uneducated people, though. I repair cars for a living, so I don't mind shelling out for good tools, but If I pay the high prices, I don't want to get the same stuff in the $170 Wheeler's kit. I can understand that some of the tools would be expensive, i.e. headspace gauges, since they are precision, but $50 for a plastic receiver vice block seems excessive. Any recommendations from the Tool Talk crowd?
 
You can try Mid Way, Cabelas, Ron Custom Power and Sportsman's Guide. There are also tools that you can build for your self as well. A good metal lathe and drill press will go along way toward making some of these tools. If you are a dealer, Brownells has a lower price on most of their stuff.
 

FWIW- I've been dealing with Brownells since the late 60's. The thing with them is their tools actually work. Sportsmans Guide might have good prices, but I doubt their stuff is anywhere near first class.
 
I have been in the Gunsmithing business for 57 years. I buy about all my tools from Brownell's. The best is none to good.
 
I have bought most of mine on Ebay or the least expensive place I could find on the internet to be honest. The ones that are special made to use on an AR anyway like the vice blocks, barrel nut wrench, castle nut wrench and Delta ring tool. The rest I have just bought locally from tool suppliers. Punches, brass, and plastic hammers, etc. Might not all be in a fancy plastic box with a niche for each one (woo hoo) but they suit my needs very well. I have ended up with some good quality tools where I feel I need them most (wrenches, screwdrivers and punches) and I saved a few bucks too.
 
I to am working on my first AR build. After talking to several people with experience I choose to "piece meal" my AR tool collection. I ordered the Magpul AR wrench and vice block, both had good reviews but we're pricy. I have not used them yet but I'm impressed with the quality. I intend to purchase a few more items such as the wheeler roll pin punch set to go with my "kit". I think that as I build my tool set I will look for a tool bag or wrap to hold my kit. Being as fussy as I am with tools I don't think I would be satisfied with someone else's version of a kit, but to each his own.
 
Take Bret and gundoctor's advice. Take a good long look at the invoice for what you paid for your AR and ask yourself if you want to mess up an expensive gun with second grade tools. There may be tools you can buy elsewhere that will be top quality and cheaper than Brownell's, but they are few and far between. There is no "good enough" with firearms work. Either you do it right, or you have a dangerous piece of junk in your hands.
 
(quoted from post at 08:15:47 07/13/15)
FWIW- I've been dealing with Brownells since the late 60's. The thing with them is their tools actually work. Sportsmans Guide might have good prices, but I doubt their stuff is anywhere near first class.

Agreed.


That said to assemble an AR, you can get by with a set of good punches, a Ar mutiltool(I like the one DPMS for about $30), and some aluminum "V" blocks for your bench vise. Nothing rocket science about putting together an AR, more like tinker toys or an erector set.


Headspace gauges are nice, but I have never came across a barrel extension and bolt that didn't headspace. If you are cutting your own chambers then that is a different story.

All the plastic blocks, fixtures, and clamps are for folks who can't live without toys.
 
Hey I know little but I know you need Hollow ground screwdrivers . Even the best Snap-on is not Hollow ground and not made for gun use where screww damage is NG.
 
(quoted from post at 05:17:04 07/13/15) I have been in the Gunsmithing business for 57 years. I buy about all my tools from Brownell's. The best is none to good.

Yup. I buy some cheap tools, but use them on junk...:)

My good stuff gets the good tools.
 
Lots of good info here. I understand the need for hollow ground screw drivers, although M4 style AR rifles don't have many, if any, slotted screws. So are the Brownell's tools U.S. made and of their own design and not just repackaged? In my auto business, you have to watch out for repackaged parts that can be bought cheaper in their own makers box, such as AC Delco hubs units that are made by SKF and available much cheaper in a SKF box.
 
Brownell's does not make that many tools. The tools companies sell them to Brownell's to wholesale for them. If you look at the catalog the Brand name or company that made it is leisted.
 

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