If you’re a beginner gunsmith, one essential step is assembling a set of basic tools that can help you maintain, repair, or upgrade your firearm. While you can purchase pre-made gunsmithing kits, it’s better to start with a few crucial tools and gradually build your collection as you progress. In this article, we’ll discuss the five must-have gunsmithing tools for the beginner, including how they can help you work with AR 15 parts.
1. Gun Cleaning Kit
Maintaining a clean firearm is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance. A gun cleaning kit is a set of tools that help you remove dirt, oil, and debris from various parts of your firearm. The kit should include a cleaning rod, brushes, solvent, and lubricants. You can also purchase a bore snake, a handy tool that allows you to quickly clean your firearm’s barrel.
2. Torque Wrench
A torque wrench is a tool that helps you tighten nuts, bolts, and screws to a specific level of torque. In gunsmithing, a torque wrench is especially useful when working with AR 15 parts, which require precise torque settings for optimal performance.
For example, if you’re installing a new handguard or muzzle brake on your AR 15, you’ll need to tighten the screws to a specific level of torque to ensure that the parts stay in place and don’t interfere with your firearm’s accuracy.
3. Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set
A standard screwdriver set is unsuitable for gunsmithing because it can damage your firearm’s screws and other parts. A gunsmithing screwdriver set includes specially designed bits that fit precisely into your firearm’s screws and other components, reducing the risk of stripping or damaging the parts. The set should include both flathead and Phillips head bits, as well as Torx bits, which are commonly used in AR 15 parts.
4. Punch Set
A punch set is a collection of tools that help you drive out pins, rivets, and other small firearm components. A punch set includes various sizes of punches made of brass or steel, which are essential for disassembling and reassembling firearms safely. When working with AR 15 parts, a punch set is especially useful for removing and installing roll pins and detents sccbuzz .
5. Vise
A vise is a tool that helps you hold your firearm securely while you work on it. A vise is useful for tasks that require both hands, such as installing a barrel or handguard. A good gunsmithing vise should have jaws that can grip your firearm firmly without damaging it. When working with AR 15 parts, a vise is especially useful for tasks that require precise positionings, such as installing a trigger or a gas block.
These five must-have gunsmithing tools for the beginner are crucial for maintaining, repairing, or upgrading your firearm. While you can purchase pre-made gunsmithing kits, it’s better to start with a few crucial tools and gradually build your collection as you progress.
When working with AR 15 parts, these tools can help you achieve optimal performance and accuracy while ensuring your firearm’s safety and longevity. With these tools in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient gunsmith.
