Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Building a AR15 lower without tools?

    I'm looking to do my first build and I was wondering if I really need any special tools to build the lower. All I have is a screwdriver, some random allen keys and a castle nut wrench I bought off eBay for like $4. Do I really need something like a roll pin punch set? Or should I be okay with what I have?

  2. #2
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    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    (Allegheny County)
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    Default Re: Building a AR15 lower without tools?

    Quote Originally Posted by samuelspark View Post
    I'm looking to do my first build and I was wondering if I really need any special tools to build the lower. All I have is a screwdriver, some random allen keys and a castle nut wrench I bought off eBay for like $4. Do I really need something like a roll pin punch set? Or should I be okay with what I have?

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
    (Lehigh County)
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    Default Re: Building a AR15 lower without tools?

    Quote Originally Posted by samuelspark View Post
    I'm looking to do my first build and I was wondering if I really need any special tools to build the lower. All I have is a screwdriver, some random allen keys and a castle nut wrench I bought off eBay for like $4. Do I really need something like a roll pin punch set? Or should I be okay with what I have?
    You do not need a pin punch SET, but one good pin punch will make life a lot easier.
    Illegitimus non carborundum est

  4. #4
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    May 2006
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    SEPA, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Building a AR15 lower without tools?

    Having the right tools will make the difference between putting the lower together in 10 minutes vs being frustrated without using the proper tools.

    Why not just asking someone with the right tools for help? I'm 50 minutes from Philly, but I'd be more than willing to help you.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Building a AR15 lower without tools?

    Quote Originally Posted by gghbi View Post
    You do not need a pin punch SET, but one good pin punch will make life a lot easier.
    Meh. Punches are just glorified nails. I used a nail.

    I used the above video for my builds as well.

    The hardest part is just sorting out all the parts and identifying them before you get started.
    Just find a parts list with pictures and start laying them out so you know what's what.
    I called to check my ZIP CODE!....DY-NO-MITE!!!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
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    Harleysville, Pennsylvania
    (Montgomery County)
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    Default Re: Building a AR15 lower without tools?

    You should be able to do everything with the tools you've listed, aside from the roll pin for the bolt catch.
    Some cheap slip joint pliers will do the trick. A piece of electrical tape over the teeth will keep them from scuffing the receiver
    Last edited by Huggy; July 8th, 2018 at 10:13 AM.

  7. #7
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    Sep 2009
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    Default Re: Building a AR15 lower without tools?

    Measure twice cut once ! Cost of a punch set is not more than a box of ammo ( 50 round count ) . Keeps you from boogering it up !

  8. #8
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    Jun 2018
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    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Building a AR15 lower without tools?

    Thanks everyone. I ended up ordering a soft-faced mallet and a roll pin punch set for ~$16 from Amazon.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
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    The cold, dark, void, Pennsylvania
    (Clearfield County)
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    Default Re: Building a AR15 lower without tools?

    Quote Originally Posted by samuelspark View Post
    Thanks everyone. I ended up ordering a soft-faced mallet and a roll pin punch set for ~$16 from Amazon.
    Get set of channel locks like he uses in the video, you would not believe how much easier it is than trying to use a punch to install the bolt catch.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2018
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    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    (Delaware County)
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    Default Re: Building a AR15 lower without tools?

    I would be more than happy to help with whatever I you might need. I’m disabled, always home, and have probably been building AR’s longer than most. (I’ve never owned one I didn’t build. And I’ve owned MANY!)

    Oh yeah....and I’m in Delaware county. I actually build them or help build them for no charge. It’s one of my favorite past times.

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