Tools for Working on AR-15

Building an AR-15 is quite simple when you have the right tools. While it’s possible to assemble an entire AR-15 with minimal tools, you’ll save yourself time and money by using the right ones. Building your own AR-15 is not only fun, it is economical and allows you to customize it the way that you want. You can choose any combination of parts you wish to assemble a weapon that meets your specific needs.

Things that will help with your build

• A good, solid work surface - it provides a stable area for assembly and stay organized
• An AR-15 lower receiver vise block - fits inside lower receiver magwell to hold the lower receiver securely in the bench vise.
• A set of pin punches with 3/32 inch, 1/8 inch and 5/32 inch punches
• Roll pin holders - to hold the roll pin when you begin tapping it in place
• A castle nut wrench - to tighten the castle nut on the lower receiver extension
• Torque wrench - to tighten the castle nut down to its 40 in. lbs. specification

The lower parts kit contains many small parts and a designated work area will help prevent losing any parts. It also provides a place to mount a bench vise, which you will need to hold the lower receiver in place so that your hands are free for assembly.

While standard drive pin punches can be used, roll pin punches are highly recommended because they are designed specifically for rolls pins. Roll pin punches have a small raised bump on the end that fits directly into the roll pin to center it and prevent it from collapsing. A bolt catch pin punch is necessary to help drive the bolt catch pin straight and avoid damaging the surrounding metal.

When installing the trigger guard roll pin, you will either need a roll pin pusher or a block of wood. The lower receiver has two tabs where the trigger guard is installed. If they are not supported properly while tapping the roll pin in place, they can easily break.

A roll pin pusher pushes the pin in rather than exposing the tabs to danger from striking the pins. Alternatively, you can use a block of wood to support the tabs while tapping the trigger guard roll pin place.

You’ll find that a pair of needle nosed pliers or a multi-tool is helpful for holding detents while installing them. A pivot pin detent installation tool, designed specifically for this purpose, is another option and can be purchased at most gunsmith shops.

You’ll need a set of hex wrenches to assemble the pivot pin if you don’t have the pivot pin detent installation tool. To install the pistol grip screw, a 3 inch long flat head screw driver will be needed. When installing the magazine catch, a small diameter punch can be used to depress the magazine release button.

When selecting a hammer or mallet, it’s best to choose one that is small and light weight. This will improve accuracy when tapping the roll pins in place. Brass hammers are recommended to prevent marring the lower receiver in the event the hammer slips and you strike the surface.

Painter’s tape or electrical tape can be used to guard the lower receiver against scratches while installing the catch assembly. Additional tools will be needed for the upper receiver, but many of these will also be used for that assembly process.