AR Tools ?

shankbone

shankbone

New member
I just jumped into the AR world and wanted to know what the "essential items" are for AR owners. This is my first semiauto rifle (RRA Predator Pursuit 20" upper on a complete lower my dealer says is "in the mail."
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What cleaning supplies (patches, brushes, cleaning tools, etc.) do I need?

What lubricants do you guys recommend?

Finally, what tools do I need so that I may service the rifle fully and have the ability to make changes to the rifle components?

I Looked through the Everything AR thread, but I did not see links to abasic armorer's catalog of parts, tools, and maitenance supplies. If there is a link, please point me in the right direction. Thanks for any and all help!
 
You will probably get some variations on this response:

(1) a good one piece coated cleaning rod (Dewey makes a good one)

(2) a bore guide (and always use it)...Dewey makes these too

(3) basic patches you can get anywhere

(4) Wipeout foaming bore cleaner for a initial cleaning and then only once groups open up, and non-chlorine brake cleaner to get that out of the gas tube

(5) Mobil 1 or similar synthetic lubricant for the bolt and carrier after you wipe the crap off of them for more routine cleaning

(6) break-free clp or some type of cleaner for patches (not for copper -- that's what the Wipeout is for)

I don't clean mine much except when accuracy starts dropping off. I usually just run a patch or two down the barrel or maybe alternating wet/dry with break-free for 5 patches. I do tear down the bolt every time, wipe it clean, and get it wet with Mobil 1. Then I store it muzzle up to keep the Mobil 1 out of the barrel.

As far as tools, it kind of depends on what you want to do. If you want to change buttstocks you need an armor's tool (Brownells). A decent set of punches is a good idea -- both brass punches and roll pin punches. A brass/plastic two sided hammer is good to have. A vice block for the upper can be nice to have. A Wheeler set of tools is good to have (allen head, phillips head, flat blade, torx head bits). A FatWrench torque wrench is handy, but that's more for scope mounting.

I'm probably forgetting something.

Oh yeah, right now while you don't need one get a spare parts kit. That way when you remove a pin and the detent goes flying you will have one.

Sendit
 
Sendit has this one covered. Don't skimp on the good bore guide and rod. I started using the Otis Special Forces Dry Lube on my bcg after Skinney recommended it. It works well. AR's are addicting to tinker with!
 
You don't need any Armory tool until you decide that you need a different barrel. There are a couple of tools that makes building your own lower a little easier, but it can be done with basic "around the house" tools. If your intention is to cover basic maintenance, the only piece I would recommend would be a vise block that goes into your mag well.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/358821/promag-armorers-lower-receiver-action-block-ar-15

Handguards that are not free floated and stocks do not take any special tools. If you have a punch, a hammer, and 7/8 wrench, a couple of dental and a little common sense, there is not a lot that you can't do to your AR platform other than barrel removal. My advise would be hold off on armory tools until you need a specific one. I have been an armor for years and only really use one or two tool from my armory kit 90% of the. time Just my .02.
 
Listen to tactical assault, not to me on the armor's tool. I got one and use it a lot, but really just for the nut that keeps the butt stock on and for removing flash hiders. You could get away with a cheaper wrench and just us an open end wrench on the FH. The one I got will outlast me (I hate cheapo tools!).

Sendit
 
Thanks guys, this is all great stuff. I will go ahead and buy the armorer's tool, just because I dont want to NOT have it when I want it. I live far enough away from a good fun shop or a gunsmith, so I have to learn how to do everything. Thank goodness for forums and YouTube.

Are there any books or other resources you would recommend for someone learning how to completely service their own AR rifle? Wait, doesn't Bronells have a whole video library for free?
 
Originally Posted By: jlortieNot sure you want to use wipe out on ar will get into gas tube.

I blow it right out with brake cleaner then put a wet patch down then dry.

But I could be doing it completely wrong!

Sendit
 
I use wipe out on my ARs and I don't worry about the gas tube. 50,000 psi will move anything that might get in it. Wipe out also works at a protectent.
 
Agree but the bore-snake is nice to run wet, then use a new viper to ruun dry on the bore. TacAssualt is right until you are confisent in tearing the rifle down you wont need the ar 15 tool, and punches, roll pin holders, so a little hoppes no9 and breakfree is a good start

Now I do use a Bore Brush on 2 cleaning rods, put in my dewalt drill, and clean the crap out of my chamber
 
Some receivers come with the rear take down pin detente hole threaded in 4-40 (covered by the butt plate). Nip off about 1/8 of spring then go get a set screw from Ace hardware. Usually they are .5mm recessed hex head screws. Otherwise get your self a decent tap and die set "just in case" you need to tap anything.
 
Originally Posted By: rpc55Dewey lug recess and chamber cleaning kit.
That is exactly what I saw that got me thinking about the tools I will need. Originally Posted By: HereticSome receivers come with the rear take down pin detente hole threaded in 4-40 (covered by the butt plate). Nip off about 1/8 of spring then go get a set screw from Ace hardware. Usually they are .5mm recessed hex head screws. Otherwise get your self a decent tap and die set "just in case" you need to tap anything.



Good to know, I just added a tap and die set to my Amazon wish list. With Amazon Prime's free 2-day shipping, I save money on trips to the city for cleaning supplies, tools, odds and ends. Having the item on my prime list means a tool or part is only two impatient days away.
 
Originally Posted By: HereticSome receivers come with the rear take down pin detente hole threaded in 4-40 (covered by the butt plate). Nip off about 1/8 of spring then go get a set screw from Ace hardware. Usually they are .5mm recessed hex head screws. Otherwise get your self a decent tap and die set "just in case" you need to tap anything.



I thought it was kind of like a "right of passage" to remove your stock for the first time just to see the detent spring fly out, never to be seen again. Not to be out done by all your attention focused on the spring you just lost. Then you start to turn the receiver extension and the buffer catch and spring go flying .....As mentioned above, a $30 misc spring/parts kits is not a bad idea when getting started
 


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