I recently built my first AR15 (pistol, 300blk) and I thought I'd post a few thoughts about tools I used during the build. My goal was to have the full experience of building an AR15, so I'll say upfront that I wasn't trying to scrimp on parts or tools.
I found the following link helpful when buying tools:
https://www.range365.com/range365-ar-armorers-tools-list/
The following tools were absolutely necessary to complete the build:
I found the following link helpful when buying tools:
https://www.range365.com/range365-ar-armorers-tools-list/
The following tools were absolutely necessary to complete the build:
- Quality bench vice. Necessary for installing barrel in upper, and really useful in general.
- Wheeler Upper receiver vice block. High quality and protects upper.
- Roll pin STARTER punch. These really helped with the bolt catch pin on the lower, and the gas block pin.
- Roll pin punch set. I bought the Tekton set from Amazon.
- Crows feet. I had to buy a 1 1/4" crowsfoot wrench to install an Odin barrel, but only because it uses a non-standard mount. Otherwise I could've gotten by with the Magpul Armorer's wrench (see below).
- Magpul BEV block. You need something, but I didn't like the small amount of play when holding the lower receiver. I'd probably try another block that has a tighter fit.
- Tekton torque wrench from Amazon. Really a nice upgrade from my 40 year old, beam style Craftsman torque wrench, but I could've just used the old wrench.
- Magpul armorer's wrench. I really like the quality and heft of the wrench, but I only used it to attach the buffer tube (barrel needed a different wrench). The torque wrench socket is at the far end closer to the barrel nut wrench, which is probably the right call since that nut is likely more critical, but I found it awkward to use the torque wrench with such a long extension when using the castle nut end. I think I'd prefer a torque wrench extension that is purpose built, such as this one: https://classified-defense.com/ultimate-castle-nut-wrench.html
- Takedown pivot pin tool. Helpful, but the takedown pin installation isn't rocket science.
- Wheeler armorer's bench block. I never really figured out how to support any part very well using the block and often just used a block of soft wood to equal effect.
- Brass hammer. Not really needed with the punches. In some cases a regular small hammer actually worked better (could get more in-line with the punch when installing the bolt catch pin, for example; used blue tape to prevent scratching the receiver).