AR 15 Armorer's Tools

[JT]

I need to poll the assembled experienced masses: where do you get your armorer's tools? Which brands are good and which are not worth the moolah? What tools can one finesse with a cheaper effective alternative?

This all started with my front take-down pin assembly fiasco, hilariously (not!) documented elsewhere. A simple clevis pin works as well or better than a specialty assembly tool.

Today's fiasco was with the cheap import armorer's multi-tool and the buffer tube castle nut. So, I go looking for a better one and all the ones I could find were getting reviews moaning about the same problems I was having with my POS version.

I don't mind paying for a specialty tool if it is the cleanest alternative, but there has to be some way to find a good one or an effective alternative.

So what say you, CFF experts? School me! As always, TIA!

 

[jmccracken1214]

I need to poll the assembled experienced masses: where do you get your armorer's tools? Which brands are good and which are not worth the moolah? What tools can one finesse with a cheaper effective alternative?

This all started with my front take-down pin assembly fiasco, hilariously (not!) documented elsewhere. A simple clevis pin works as well or better than a specialty assembly tool.

Today's fiasco was with the cheap import armorer's multi-tool and the buffer tube crown nut. So, I go looking for a better one and all the ones I could find were getting reviews moaning about the same problems I was having with my POS version.

I don't mind paying for a specialty tool if it is the cleanest alternative, but there has to be some way to find a good one or an effective alternative.

So what say you, CFF experts? School me! As always, TIA!

I’ve had cheap ones and literally sheared the teeth off taking barrel nuts off. I wouldn’t blow a lot on one but the green tapco one I’ve had for a few years now was like $35 and has yet to let me down

 

[JT]

I’ve had cheap ones and literally sheared the teeth off taking barrel nuts off. I wouldn’t blow a lot on one but the green tapco one I’ve had for a few years now was like $35 and has yet to let me down

I saw the Tapco at Brownell's, but didn't know anything about the quality. Thanks - good to know.

 

[Burt Gummer]

Good set of roll pin starter punches and a set of regular roll pin punches are invaluable. Brass punch for non marring work. That, the wrench McCracken listed above, a small thread file set, and some needle nose pliers will have you in good shape. Hell I’ve put a lower together with a taped up pair of channel lock pliers. Patience is good to have also

 

[jmccracken1214]

Yes! Buy a good set of roll pin punches!! The punch sets are the best thing ever . I used regular punches for a year or two and it’s sucks.

 

[Burt Gummer]

Lyman makes great punch sets by the way