thoughts on TOOLS after first AR15 build

[Mk-211]

Not sure if it's been mentioned but get some good tape. Painters tape that comes off without leaving a mess of its own is best.

You can layer it to add more protection, best used around places that your going to be hitting a pin into a hole. Wrap it around parts that you might use a wrench on or near.

For the take down pins, I like to use two punches to get them in and started. That was one of the best tips that I found while reading up on putting them in. That and those gawd darn detent pins that hold them in place!!!

The blocks that are made to hold the upper and lowers in a vice are great and act like a 3rd hand. When driving the pin that holds the trigger guard in place, definitely back it up with a piece of wood or corner of the table, anvil.... remember that tape you bought to protect the finish?

 

[rdnktrkr]

I use a banana box to help coral wayward springs, I learned this after having to order a spring kit when I did my first, now all my friends that build ARs use one. Just 2 cutouts on the side and use the opening to see what you're doing.

 

[Boomholzer]

I have gotten my use out of this: https://www.realavid.com/product/ar15-master-bench-block/ The Magpul wrench is awesome. Go figure, Magpul.
I'll plug this: https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-custom-specialty-tool-set-4-piece.html The tool for the pin capture springs is handy. I use my brass hammer and punch set frequently. I'd also add a barrel vice block to the OP's list, I didn't see one, I might have missed it.

 

[Megawatt maker]

My very first AR build I just used tools I had in my tool box....and it went just fine.

Dont really need any special tools to build one if you are mechanical minded in the first place...

That said..its always easier to do any job when you have the proper tools..and while the AR needs nothing especially exotic, small things like the take down pin install tool..and have a decent set of brass punches will save you some grief

 

[Slotback]

I'll second Megawatt. I re-barreled an upper recently. The right tools made it a rather quick and less than arduous task.