Continuing the discussion from Side charging upper:
I’m gathering all the needed parts to build my first AR15 5.56 NATO. I figured if I could take apart a Winchester .30-.30 and put it back to gather I just might have skills. I have invested in a complete Avid AR15 Armorers Masterkit. Now just need to keep saving for parts.
having the tools is definately needed to make building easier. what are your plans for your build.
I agree with this statement. Some tools I would suggest that I wish I had on my first build are front pivot pin installer and something to make installing the bolt catch/trigger guard roll pin easier. Real Avid makes a pivot pin installer and I saw Wheeler made a tool for this, but I’ve seen some people use a vice.
Just something I ran into on my first build. Be sure that you have a roll pin for your gas tube. I bought the gas block and tube and neither one had the roll pin. That set me back a few days.
I retired and limited disposable income so I have plenty of time to make a game plan.
Enjoy! YouTube has a ton of helper video’s. Be warned, it’s addictive. First a couple 5.56 then a 7.62x39, a .350 legend and a 12x7 later. Another Safe is in order.
I have a block to set my lower on, other side is for your upper. Works pretty good. Pivot pin tool is awesome. That bolt catch is a pain, almost need a third hand. Gotta be good with your fingers and utilize your arm.
I’ve been gathering parts and tools to put together a lower. I could use some recommendations for tools. I have the mallet with interchangeable faces, some standard pin punches (steel), Walt’s Tool (bolt catch roll pin starter punch), castle nut wrench, painter’s tape, black paint pen (for when I scratch right through that painter’s tape).
Go slow. I now build lowers watching tv. Oh, and get a few gallon sized ziplocs. When installing the detents, put the lower in the ziploc. That way when you launch a detent (which you will), you can find it. Having it in the bag allows you to see what you are doing.
Got those! I think I even have some 2.5gal. I also have one of those fine mesh tents that you put over a pie to keep flies off while it cools. Guy named TacCat rec’d it to me, so I bought some before I even had the lower.
I use a rag instead of tape and didnt mar up anything.
This video has a parts and tools list and walks you through each step.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/blog/how-to-video-series-building-an-ar-15-lower-receiver.html
I assembled my first one with a flathead screwdriver, needlenose pliers, a small ball peen hammer, and a razor blade. It took me probably 2.5 hours but lots of that was hunting detents and springs that got launched. The castle nut was only hand tight until a few months later when I got a vise, proper tools, and (what I thought was) a nice torque wrench. I have since abandoned the torque wrench.
Edit: i still use the razor for the pivot pin detent and spring
@useful.easy.address
Get some aluminum black, it’ll make those dings disappear the right way. Some cold blue for the steel parts blemishes.
A pin pusher for the trigger guard is nice and they’re relatively cheap that is if you see yourself doing a few changeouts. It’ll keep you from snapping off an ear on the lower receiver.
I use this Allen wrench hack
This armorers wrench
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-custom-ar-armorer-tool-778127.html
This handy little thing
https://palmettostatearmory.com/roll-pin-wizard-rpw.html
And a ball peen hammer and blue painters tape.
Technically I’ve only built one stripped lower, but my other two ARs I’ve removed and replaced every single component in those lowers, so I count it as three.
But that’s all I use…
(The Roll Pin Wizard also does the forward assist pin)
ok cool. sounds like you’ll have it under control then.
I’ve found that i only really needed one tool kit to put together lowers… and it was/is made by wheeler. its not too expensive, has a dedicated roll pin starter and roll pin punch for the bolt catch roll pin, as well as a dedicated roll pin push device for the trigger guard so that you will never have to hammer in a roll pin on the trigger guard again, and thus never fear breaking an ear on the trigger guard again. it also has a nice selection of other roll pin punches/ starter punches as well as a decent hammer, well in its words :
Complete kit for installing every AR roll pin without damaging or marring your firearm! Kit includes: Bolt Catch Install Tool Kit, AR Trigger Guard Install Tool, (3) Starter Punches and (3) Driver Punches, Two Sided Hammer, and Custom Fit Storage Case.
now it may be a bit pricey at the wheeler site, but you may be able to find it cheaper online somewhere… i think i did and paid like 45 or something for mine.
But anyways, heres the AR-15 Roll pin installation tool kit
GuitarGuy is right on his method about gallon bags and roll pins… however with this kit, ive found you no longer really have issues with that except for the takedown front detent… which i have a different tool that i use for that.
psa sells that one im sure, not sure about the first one… and the second one is only like 12 bucks or something.