Newbie question…tools to get

[greg vess]

It depends how down and dirty you want to get. Any 'kit' you buy will typically be assembled with low-grade chinesium.

• For general purpose, a good set of roll and pin punches and a suitable hammer.
• Non-marring hammer (not TOO heavy)
• Bench block
• Some high quality screwdriver bits or full screwdrivers in the correct sizes for gunsmithing (don't cheap out on these).
• For ARs, you'll probably want an armorer's wrench if you want to start moving castle nuts etc.
• A suitable gun vise or cradle, or a standard vise with a good set of soft jaw covers to avoid marring the gun. You need to have the gun solidly locked in place for many kinds of maintenance you might undertake.
• Pretty soon, if you're doing things like fitting optics or other torque-specific mechanisms, something like a Wheeler F.A.T. Wrench. (Edit: or as @GFB and others say below, something better)
• Cleaning kit
• Depending on what guns you have, a set of hex (Allen) wrenches. Again, don't cheap out.

Personal choice - I also got a set of moderately cheap brass pin punches to use as drifts because they're non-marring if I have to whale away on a resistant pin - they're useful for that.

As you go on, you'll assemble other bits and pieces like a can of Kroil, some light wet-and-dry abrasives. Maybe some Flitz, some needle-files and pliers. Don't be tempted by a Dremel. If you plan to disassemble a CZ 75 decocking mechanism, you'll need some paper bags, forceps and a heap of patience (Don't ask me how I know). A scalpel and some spare blades don't hurt. And some microfiber cloths. Some people have a set of dental picks and Q-tips on hand too. A couple of cheap parts holders from Harbor Freight are useful, but not essential (try and avoid magnetic).

Gunsmithing can be the most torque-sensitive engineering job you've ever done. Observe manufacturers' torque specs. Be aware that when you really lean on that vise handle, you CAN deform a barrel if you overdo it. Don't take a file to the gun's mechanism unless you really understand what you're doing.

Get hold of armorers guides where possible, or at least try and get schematics for the guns.

And again, personally, I have a magnifying glass desk lamp with a light, and a set of jeweler's loupes on hand because I'm old and my eyes ain't so good.

 

[greg vess]

Excellent break down. I would also suggest getting a quarter inch torque wrench with bit set for scope rings, mounts and action screws. I got one off Amazon for a decent price and I use it all the time. I don't like dragging out my huge torque wrench and it doesn't do down that low of a torque value anyway. My quarter inch torque wrench has settings from 10 inch pounds up to 100 inch pounds so it is perfect for any fasteners on a gun.

 

[Ken Ford]

Do NOT be afraid to spend real money. Cheap tools for small ****, is a recipe for disaster, and will cost more in the long run.

 

[greg vess]

Do NOT be afraid to spend real money. Cheap tools for small ****, is a recipe for disaster, and will cost more in the long run.

I could have bought a el cheapo torque wrench but I purchased one of the more expensive sets. I do agree the cheaper the tools the more likely you are to strip screw heads and experience took breakage. I like Craftsman and Kobalt tools from Lowe's. They have a lifetime warranty and I have never had to use it. Also buy a good expensive brass punch set and real good roll pin punch set. Stay away from Wheeler AR took sets. They are garbage and cost way more than they are worth. A good torque wrench is essential so you get an accurate torque value. I have three or four I have accumulated over the years. You can spend big money for a real good torque wrench and I have one I used for fasteners on LS engine builds. Better to be safe than sorry. Ken Ford hit the nail right in the head. Buy your tools one time and they will last forever.

Another piece of advice stay away from Harbor freight tools. They are junk. You can buy hammers, ball joint separators and clunky tools like that but run from sockets, ratchets and calibrated testing tools. You never can tell if they are giving you the correct reading. Air tool chucks and connectors are junk there as well. They will start leaking almost immediately.

 

[greg vess]

I bought this one for scope rings, mounts and action screws. I tested against one of my friends ultra expensive vibrating indication torque wrenches and it was right on the money. TEKTON was the overall pick in Popular Mechanics for 8 of the best torque wrenches. It works like a charm.

TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive Dual-Direction Click Torque Wrench (10-150 in.-lb.) | TRQ21101 - Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-TRQ21...3f3&qid=1762705086&sr=8-32&xpid=P-PGzfeS7JAJO