Newbie question…tools to get

[Atlorange]

Hi All,

I’ve recenty gotten back in shooting, I’ve bought a few guns lately. Is there a decent tool kit you would recommend for maintaining, part swapping, etc. that you would recommend. I would want something that could work with pistols, shotguns, ARs and PCCs, ideally.

If a kit or set is too much to ask, what would be some of the basic tools that are ‘must haves’?

TIA

 

[BHPSteel]

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.

 

[GFB]

I would piece it together as you need it. I've been replacing Wheeler stuff, which I mostly don't use anymore. That Wheeler Fat Wrench is garbage. Decent torque wrench/driver, punches, and screwdrivers are a must. Tweezers and hex keys and picks I'm sure a lot more will come in handy. Anyway, I'd build up a tool kit purchasing things as you need them.

 

[BHPSteel]

I would piece it together as you need it. I've been replacing Wheeler stuff, which I mostly don't use anymore. That Wheeler Fat Wrench is garbage. Decent torque wrench/driver, punches, and screwdrivers are a must. Tweezers and hex keys and picks I'm sure a lot more will come in handy. Anyway, I'd build up a tool kit purchasing things as you need them.

That's fair enough - I'm doing that myself.

But buying first rate tools when you're starting out can be a real money suck. Of course, the flip side of that is "buy once, cry once".

 

[wildbill1973z28]

That's fair enough - I'm doing that myself.

But buying first rate tools when you're starting out can be a real money suck. Of course, the flip side of that is "buy once, cry once".

Crescent wrench fit all size bolt!
Vise grips ! can’t screw up with this tool
Large hammer, that way you only have to hit it one time!
Chisel just in case you have to cut something off!

 

[Allsmiles]

There are a lot of tools to get and most have been covered. I would recommend that you get a large toolbox for everything. I use a Husky with the clear flip top with small trays under it and a large compartment under. That way everything is in one place and easy to find. Gallon or XL Ziplock bags will save you hunting for a spring or detent that took flight while working on some things as mentioned above. One thing not mentioned yet is a good sight pusher. Expect to spend about a $100 for one that will do the job. Another great tool is a pair of Knipex parallel jawed plyers. Great for squeezing in most pins and not marring up receivers and such. The list will keep growing the longer you do it. One last thing that has saved me more times than I can remember is an anti-fatigue floor mat to work on. Parts don't bounce or roll, and it is non marring to about everything. It also keeps you from being over jealous driving in pins as it absorbs some of the force.

 

[rockyfatcat]

Crescent wrench fit all size bolt!
Vise grips ! can’t screw up with this tool
Large hammer, that way you only have to hit it one time!
Chisel just in case you have to cut something off!

Leave the crescent wrench alone. Instead get a set of Knipex wrenches.

Your crescent wrench is almost guaranteed to round off the nut or bolt at the least optimal time. The knipex has flat edges and will not. Besides that it will press in a roll pin with greater control without the chance of shooting it across the room.

If you use it like that, wrap the tool surfaces with electric tape to prevent scratches.

 

[charlie hotel lima]

An inch lb. torque wrench will be used often. I have found a good headlamp helps, depending on the area you are working in. Good luck with it all.

 

[Allsmiles]

I have the bigger pair and they get used a lot (even around the house).

 

[Asbestos]

greg vess