1st build, AR lower tool list or options?

[Slammed01]

Hello all,


Im sure its been discussed before and been watching youtube/reddit, the more I did the more I question for my 1st build so sorry in advance, just want to learn!

Recently ordered a AR15 Palmetto State Arms upper kit, and ordered an Anderson stripped lower receiver for it. Been researching tool kit options so I'm ready and see alot of Wheeler Delta and Real Avid kits which i was leaning towards purchasing. Would it be a safe bet to spend the $54.00 and get the pivot tool and the handguard install, then upgrade as I learn/go (or punches break LOL)

I was leaning towards the real avid with the block or the wheeler as it has the handguard tool & bolt catch (bolt catch $12 separate but cant find the handguard for under $30 but may not need with Magpul MOE?) .....but maybe I can do better and throw it in a Harbor Freight "buildbox" for the safe? Stores I have close Harbor Freight, Lowes, Walmart and Tractor supply so options available.

Wheeler: https://a.co/d/5YOkXsJ

Real Avid: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DM1DC4Q?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_SGP6JR46YYD6PHMNK3XV&newOGT=1


Then I came across some custom lists.....

*I dont want/need "filler tools" that I wont need on this build that I may get with wheeler/real avid.
*what am I missing that I would need on the build or anything i can do better on?
*What size starter punch do I need as I hear they make life easier? Id love to build a decent kit and have a small toolbox in the safe for this and other projects




Upper kit that Ill be pairing with a Anderson lower:
[https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...1-7-nitride-moe-odg-rifle-kit-516444601.html)

Dasco Pro 6 piece Pin set $20:

[https://www.homedepot.com/p/Dasco-P...Dasco-Pro-Pin-Punch-Set-6-Piece-22/100155966)

Or Mayhew kit

https://www.homedepot.com/s/100154388?adobe_mc=TS%3D1737442850%7CMCMID%3D12877979582112264438958340766223193275%7CMCORGID%3DF6421253512D2C100A490D45%40AdobeOrg&mboxSession=60941819-0187-4853-8a8d-622847bdcb4d

Grip roll pin starter punch $12

Amazon.com

Bolt catch tool (if I dont do wheeler)

Amazon.com

Tekton hammer $7 (do I need brass?):
[https://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-...TON-Double-Faced-Soft-Mallet-30812/205559083)

Clevis Pin:
[https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...Plated-Universal-Clevis-Pin-815438/204276615)


Wheeler Trigger Guard Install tool (Magpul MOE kit may not need?):

[https://a.co/d/cphukP2](https://a.co/d/cphukP2)



What else would i need or could I do better on with a budget kit or is wheeler/Avid a good base and replace as they break or I learn?


TIA!

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

Only time it helped to have a roll pin starter punch was for the bolt catch pin or gas block pin. It’s not absolutely necessary. You could start it with a pair of pliers and just blue masking tape the surrounding area; helps a lot if the lower or upper is in a vise when starting it with pliers. The roll pinch starter is nice to have to make your job easier. I use the real avid bolt catch set for bolt catches.

The difference between a roll pin starter and punch set from the one you have listed is that these are beveled in with material removed along with an elongated stem for clearance when on the side of the lower receiver.

The roll pin punch and starter size is 3/32 (SAE).

You could do it with the ones you have there but I would run a lot more blue masking tape alongside the receiver.

Bolt Catch Punch Set

SPECIALIZED AR15 BOLT CATCH PIN STARTER & PIN PUNCH SET Two punches, one simple solution to the difficult to access bolt catch retaining pin. The orientation of the pin, close proximity to the lower receiver, distance required to safely punch a pin and the difficulty in getting the pin started...

realavid.com

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

Nice to have this when driving the roll pin for bolt catch. Helps to do it before installing the buffer tube, castle nut, and end plate. Run blue masking tape along that side of the reciever when driving the roll pin.

You could do it after you install the buffer tube assembly too; but run blue masking tape along that area or any where you might nick. I also blue masking tape the buffer tube assembly too.

Smart-Fit® AR15 Vise Block

Adjustable magwell block fits MIL-SPEC AR15s Expands to provide secure, tight fit Works with any standard bench vise Creates solid platform for maintenance/building Designed for stable, secure firearm support

realavid.com

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

That hammer should work. I use a nylon one. Nylon is supposed to be better at non-marring. You don’t necessarily need a brass one; but can use one. You dont need much force for driving that roll pin for the bolt catch; smooth light taps. When staking a castle nut, the nylon one is sufficient enough; but I’ve used a husky dead blow before to make it easier.

This is also the roll pin punch set I use; included a pic. “Comprehensive 9-Piece Set: Includes a variety of sizes (1/16”, 5/64”, 3/32”, 1/8”, 5/32”, 3/16”, 7/32”, 1/4”, and 5/16”), perfect for precise pin removal and re-use without causing damage. Ideal for tasks such as AR 15 assembly, liftgate repair, glock pin set and detailed mechanical work”

Amazon.com

 

[Slammed01]

That hammer should work. I use a nylon one. Nylon is supposed to be better at non-marring. You don’t necessarily need a brass one; but can use one. You dont need much force for driving that roll pin for the bolt catch; smooth light taps. When staking a castle nut, the nylon one is sufficient enough; but I’ve used a husky dead blow before to make it easier.

This is also the roll pin punch set I use; included a pic. “Comprehensive 9-Piece Set: Includes a variety of sizes (1/16”, 5/64”, 3/32”, 1/8”, 5/32”, 3/16”, 7/32”, 1/4”, and 5/16”), perfect for precise pin removal and re-use without causing damage. Ideal for tasks such as AR 15 assembly, liftgate repair, glock pin set and detailed mechanical work”

Amazon.com

View attachment 30968View attachment 30977

Thanks I saw that kit on Amazon too, yea prob overthinking the tools but want to be ready to build! Lowers taking forever to ship

 

[SteamedHams]

In my experiences, none of the pins on lowers are particularly tight so any punch set will work. It’s the upper that you really gotta go to town on with the forward assist pin. I started with some generic punch set and it was fine for lowers, and later upgraded to the Real Avid Accu-Punch AR set because of the upper. The starter punch in particular is helpful. It’s gone through 20+ stripped lowers and 50+ stripped uppers without missing a beat.

The Real Avid Pivot Pin Tool is worth every penny.

Don’t forget a castle nut wrench. Cheap $10 ones will work, but if you plan on doing any barrel work might as well splurge for the Magpul one.

 

[colossians323]

I bought the real avid kit and the only think I don't like was the plastic dental picks.
I thought they cheated out on that part, but it is nice having that tool set.

 

[Slammed01]

Thanks!

Just picked up a wheeler kit that Amazon had as a open box for $40, figured give it a shot. Lowers shipped too after a week, looks like a good day lol

 

[.dC0m]

I have the Real Avid Pin Punch set and find myself using it on everything from ARs to Handguns.

For ARs, I would advocate for the Real Avid Pivot Pin Tool - juggling the pivot pin is not difficult but it does get annoying after your first few tries. The pivot pin tool makes it real easy.

I would also recommend getting an AR-15 Armorer's Wrench - comes in handy for setting proper torque specs as well as installing castle nuts and tip of barrel attachments.

 

[Slammed01]

I have the Real Avid Pin Punch set and find myself using it on everything from ARs to Handguns.

For ARs, I would advocate for the Real Avid Pivot Pin Tool - juggling the pivot pin is not difficult but it does get annoying after your first few tries. The pivot pin tool makes it real easy.

I would also recommend getting an AR-15 Armorer's Wrench - comes in handy for setting proper torque specs as well as installing castle nuts and tip of barrel attachments.

Thanks! Ordered the real avid pivot pin tool from Sportmans that just showed up, and a Magpul armorers wrench from them as well still pending pickup. Glad to hear I made some good choices!

Now just need the oops kit which is $20+ on Amazon and $10 at other online stores and a armaglock, then should be good!

 

[.dC0m]

Not so much essential to the build, but highly recommended for any AR owner - a good AR cleaning rod.

Essential to maintaining the AR, plus it helps when you get stuck spent casing (if you shoot steel, it's bound to happen). There's a bunch out there, some are solid rods, and some like USGI break down into several transportable pieces. I always keep one in my range box just in case.