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The phrase "use the right tool for the right job" holds water when it comes to handling any product, especially when a quick fix is necessary. And AR-15 tool kits come in handy when your rifle needs a quick fix. Finding the best tool kit for your rifle will improve your chances of success whether you are teaching a class, shooting in a competition, or hunting.
Since with use comes the need for assembly and detaching from time to time, getting a good tool kit to service your rifle is important. This article will examine issues around AR-15 tool kits and inform you of the best ones on the market. Be sure to follow through to the end.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best AR-15 Tool Kits
- OUR TOP PICK: Real Avid AR15 Armorer's Master Kit
- RUNNER-UP: Wheeler Fine Gunsmith Equipment AR-15
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Wheeler Fine Gunsmith Equipment AR Armorers Professional Kit
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Tool Kits
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Are All AR-15 Tool Kits The Same?
AR-15 tool kits are not all similar. Different tool kits from different manufacturers come with a varying number of the total tools included, with some having extra tools. Some have unique pieces such as a multi-tool, which does several functions on the same rifle.
Tool kits also have to carry cases of varying builds, color, and size. You will want to buy a kit whose case is reasonably sized for ease of carrying it around. It should also have a color that appeals to your preference for aesthetics. To differentiate their kits even further, manufacturers may include a free gift such as the highly coveted multi-tool.
What's in an AR-15 Armorer's Tool Kit?
AR-15 armorer's tool kits contain different tools depending on the manufacturer However, there are overlaps as different kits share the same types of tools. The following are the key parts of a good tool kit:
AR-15 Upper Receiver Tools
- Barrel nut wrench
- Screwdrivers or wrenches for optics
- Bench vise
- Muzzle brake/flash hider/compensator wrench
- Upper receiver vise block
- Gas tube wrench or jaws
- Thread locker for optic mount screws and iron sights
- Iron sights tool
Real Avid AR15 Armorer's Master Kit
AR-15 Lower Receiver Tools
Butt stock wrench
Roll pin punches
Bolt carrier gas key staking tool
Bench block
Hammer
Lower receiver vise block
Pin punches
Staking punch for castle nut/spanner if using a collapsible stock
Allen and Torx type wrenches
Front pivot pin tool
The main parts that are common in most tool kits include wrenches, punches, hammers, and front sight tools.
Reviews of the Best AR-15 Armorer's Tool Kit
Now that we know what parts a good tool kit should have, it's time to review our picks of the best AR-15 armorer's tool kit. We will consider reports from recent buyers and the unique features that differentiate one kit from another.
Best Overall:
Real Avid AR15 Armorer's Master Kit
Pros
Cons
Recent buyers love this Real Avid Master kit for its ease of use, carrying, and transportation. Most buyers recommend it for the high number of parts, with the pivot pin tool heralded as the most important.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With a free multi-tool, instructional guide, and 3-year warranty, this tool kit stands out as one providing high value to its users. The instructions are written and to the point so it's easy for users to follow them in their do-it-yourself process. Including 14 parts in it makes it an all-around tool kit fit for use by AR-15 gunsmiths.
Bottom Line
This is a tool kit that provides immense value for all types of AR-15 gunsmiths be they beginners, amateurs, or experts. The grab-and-go carry case is easy to carry around or throw onto the truck for easier transportation. It is a safe bet given the warranty lasting three years for every part.
Runner-up:
Wheeler Fine Gunsmith Equipment AR-15
Pros
Cons
Recent buyers recommend this tool kit saying it works well for them without the need to use it together with tools from other kits as it is a fairly comprehensive kit. However, some users report hammer breakages and pins bending even without prolonged use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Wheeler roll pin install tool kit stands out with its multiplicity of parts in most of its sets. The hammer set has two hammer bodies, each with four hammer faces/heads of metal, nylon, brass, and rubber. These heads provide different hammering options depending on the strength and vulnerability of the part being hammered. There are three starter punches, three driver punches, and six steel punches.
Bottom Line
This tool kit wins the parts multiplicity contest and stands out strong from the rest in this review. This unique feature offers gunsmiths a wide range of options to choose from as they use the tools such that there are high chances of the right tool being used for the right job
Best for the Money:
Wheeler Fine Gunsmith Equipment AR Armorer's Professional Kit
Pros
Cons
Recent buyers recommend this tool kit for its affordable price and handy storage bag with its capacity for extra tools. Some buyers say a torque wrench that could measure pressure would be better for beginner and amateur gunsmiths.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Just like other products from Optics Planet, this tool kit is easy to order and has a fast delivery. The customer care service is also very considerate in case of complaints. The bag adds to the uniqueness of the tool kit given it has ample storage space for extra tools. The price is great on the affordability scale, making the kit our pick for the best for the money category.
Bottom Line
If you are on a budget or want an AR-15 tool kit that ships in fast, then this is the kit for you. You will also love the bag and the allowance to use the tool kit for both AR-15 and M16.
4. WEAVER 849719 Deluxe Gunsmith Tool Kit
Pros
Cons
Recent buyers praise this Weaver tool kit for its sturdy case in which arranging the different components is easy. Some users report their kits shipped in with some crucial parts missing yet the customer care service only took them in circles.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With a total of 88 parts, it is a complete and self-contained tool kit that offers gunsmiths a wide range of AR-15 assembly tools to work with. Coupled with this comprehensiveness is the use of unique tools such as the magnetic head screwdriver which makes it easy to work with nuts.
Bottom Line
For a fully functional, comprehensive tool kit that will provide you with all the major components to work on your AR-15 gun, you should consider buying this kit. Some of the parts have been made unique by the addition of out-of-the-box ideas such as the magnetic screwdriver and two-faced hammer.
5. W WIREGEAR Gunsmith Punch Set Hammer and Punch Set
Pros
Cons
Recent buyers love the W WIREGEAR gunsmith punch set tool kit for the strong pins and interchangeable hammer heads. Heralded as a basic level tool kit, recent buyers label it is beginner-friendly, with high suitability for freshly coated parts.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Simplicity makes this WIREGEAR tool kit stand out as it is easy for beginner and amateur gunsmiths to use. This feature also makes it friendly on freshly coated rifles as it does not damage the coating. The carry case is simply and neatly organized so users don't have to struggle to pick and replacing the tools.
Bottom Line
Beginner and amateur gunsmiths will find this tool kit a must-have for its gentleness on their newly bought or refurbished rifles with lower risks of scratches that may damage newly coated rifles. It also fits gunsmiths who like to keep things simple for ease of use but still having the major components every AR-15 tool kit should have.
Common AR-15 Build Issues
No tool kit comes in perfect. The following are the major problems encountered when building an AR-15.
Torque Wrench Incompatibility
Some tool kits have torque wrenches that are either too difficult to use or do not work with some AR-15 parts from certain manufacturers. While you may gradually learn to use it with repeated effort, you may have to find another one that would work wholly with your current rifle. Luckily, you may be able to buy an individual tool without having to buy a complete kit. This would save you the agony of having extra, unwanted tools that you may never use.
Bends and Breakages
Pins, punches, and hammers are prone to bends and breakages either because of frequent jerky use or improperly fitting into the carry case. Some carry cases have very tight storage boxes that cause some parts to bend or break if packed in wrongly. To solve this menace, ensure you use gentle force when working with hammers, pins, and punches. Ensure also that you pack in your tools neatly with the right tool going into the right slot.
Damaging Rifle Finishes
You run the risk of damaging the finish on your rifle especially by scratching as some of the tools have sharp edges. Missing hits when using the hammer may also mar the finish when you hit the body of the rifle instead. Such damages make your rifle less appealing to the sight. To avoid such cases, you should exercise high concentration when building the rifle.
W WIREGEAR Gunsmith Punch Set Hammer and Punch Set
AR Build Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Success
Consider the tips below to ensure you successfully use your favorite tool kit.
Ensure Parts Are Clean Before Installation
You should always clean the parts before installation. Dusty tools or ones with extra unwanted objects on them would give you trouble fitting in since the uptight slots do not provide extra room for items other than the right parts. Invest in a hood cleaning kit to always manage to keep your tools and rifle clean on the go.
Have a Spare Parts Kit
This one comes in handy since you may lose a part during transportation or repeated use. The spare parts will ensure you will still be able to build or retouch your rifle with the same result as would have been achieved using the now lost tool.
Buy Eye Protection Gear
The eyes are a delicate body part. You risk damaging them if springs and pins fly out when fixing them. It is thus good to buy a pair of goggles or safety glasses to reduce the chances of such parts flying into your eyes.
Conclusion
If you were looking for information on the best AR-15 armorer's tool kit, then you came to the right place. This article has reviewed the best of them on the market and considered the major components of a good tool kit. We have also looked at common problems that may arise when building your AR-15, along with quick solutions to keep them at bay.
People Also Ask
It would be an injustice if we do not consider some of the major questions people ask around AR-15 armorer's tool kits. We hope that this section answers any outstanding questions you may have so far.
What Tools Do I Need to Build an AR-15?
The following is a list of the main tools you will need to build an AR-15:
- Allen wrench set
- Needle nose pliers
- Hammers - brass, nylon, or metal
W WIREGEAR Gunsmith Punch Set Hammer and Punch Set
How to Tighten Castle Nut Without Spanner Wrench
You may not have a spanner wrench in handy to tightly fit the case nut. While you may fit in the castle nut with bare hands, this is only a temporary solution as it keeps getting loose again.
For a tighter grip, apply some blue loc-tite on the threads and use a punch and brass hammer to tap in the castle nut. You may also find a pipe wrench with teeth that fit well without marring the parts. A strap wrench would also work, and you can tighten the nut by looping a leather belt around it and pulling slowly.
How to Remove Barrel Nut Without Vice
This is a high risk but it is possible. One safe way is to wrap the upper in a towel and strap it between your legs. Squeeze hard and with the barrel wrench on the nut, push it down slightly with one hand to grip it on the nut better. Slap the other end of the wrench with one hand to loosen it. However, you can still do it using a pipe wrench but this may leave marks on your rifle.
What Size Roll Pin Punches For AR-15?
The AR-15 uses roll pin punches of the following sizes:
- 1/16"
- 3/32"
- 5/64"
- 1/8"
What Size Punches For AR-15?
The following punch sizes work for AR-15 rifles:
- 1/16"
- 3/32"
- 1/8"
- 5/32"
- 3/16"
- 7/32"
- 1/4"
- 5/16"