Complete build, or a pre assembled upper on a lower you build?
Tools
I'm planning on doing my first AR build soonish and was wondering if there we're any specialty tools needed for it?
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If I was to get a pre assembled upper, but wanted to change out the handguard and the stock would I need anything special??
depends on the handguard you wanted to install, and the stock it came with versus the one you install. Most stock swaps can be done with regular tools, but a carbine stock wrench can be nice if installing or removing the castle nut on a carbine buffer tube.
some handguards require their own brand specific tools, while others bolton with regular tools, and others are drop-in units.
some handguards require their own brand specific tools, while others bolton with regular tools, and others are drop-in units.
Just get an AR15 armorers wrench. http://www.ebay.com/itm/AR-ALL-ONE-COMBINATION-WRENCH-TOOL-2nd-GENERATION-/300694367278
Complete builds will require upper receiver vise blocks, 1/2" torque wrench, 4-6" vise, Allen wrenches, hammer, drift punch and center punch.
Complete builds will require upper receiver vise blocks, 1/2" torque wrench, 4-6" vise, Allen wrenches, hammer, drift punch and center punch.
I was thinking a complete build. That way i get exactly what i want. Im not fully opposed to a complete upper if i find the set up i want for a decent priceComplete build, or a pre assembled upper on a lower you build?
For the lower, a couple of roll pin holders and roll pin punches really help, although they are not necessary. Likewise with the stock wrench. You can do without it, but they are cheap and they make the process a lot easier to do well, without grief and aggravation.
If you are going to assemble your own upper, you really need the upper receiver vise block and armorer's wrench. A roll pin holder and punch for the gas tube pin help. You can usually rent or borrow a torque wrench with the correct size drive from your local auto parts store (or garage, or mechanic buddy). If you have a couple of large c-clamps you can do without a vise, but it is a lot more clumsy.
As Doc pointed out, some handguards go together much better with a dedicated tool. Yankee Hill is a good example. Others don't require anything special. When you're deciding on your handguard, check out the installation instructions on the manufacturers' web sites. That will tell you if you need any specific tools or thread lockers to get the job done right.
If you are going to assemble your own upper, you really need the upper receiver vise block and armorer's wrench. A roll pin holder and punch for the gas tube pin help. You can usually rent or borrow a torque wrench with the correct size drive from your local auto parts store (or garage, or mechanic buddy). If you have a couple of large c-clamps you can do without a vise, but it is a lot more clumsy.
As Doc pointed out, some handguards go together much better with a dedicated tool. Yankee Hill is a good example. Others don't require anything special. When you're deciding on your handguard, check out the installation instructions on the manufacturers' web sites. That will tell you if you need any specific tools or thread lockers to get the job done right.
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