AR-15s are the gold standard of rifles for a reason. Theyโre affordable, theyโre trustworthy, and, most of all, theyโre customizable. If you can dream it, you can AR-15 it.
While many parts and customization kits come with tools you need, having the right tools on hand will open you up to a whole new world of possibility. This article will cover a lot of the standard tools that every new gunsmith and AR-15 fanatic ought to have on hand.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR-15 Tools
- BEST ARMORERโS WRENCH: Brownellโs AR-15 Armorerโs Wrench
- UPPER VISE BLOCK: Precision Reflex, Inc. AR-15/M16 Upper Receiver Vise Block
- Special Operations Train Acade - AR-15/M16 Pivot Pin Installation Tool
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Tools
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Getting the Right Tools and Supplies in Place to Work on Your AR-15
Iโve always believed that with the right tools, anything is possible. But Iโve also never needed an excuse to start another tool collection!
The fact of the matter is, when it comes to customizing your gun there are plenty of mods & kits that will allow you to take your AR-15 to new levels without ever having to invest outside of the kit itself. But if you really want to learn your weapon inside and out and have full control over the direction you want to take the project, then having the right set of tools is the only way to go. By having the right tools in your toolkit, you can choose your mod materials based on what works best and not be limited by construction details.
The tools in this kit are, in my opinion, essential to one task or another. But that doesnโt mean theyโre all totally necessary. If you have no intention of swapping out your barrel, you probably wonโt need a barrel vise block, for instance. But it never hurts to have that option available!
Iโll include info about several useful tools and cover what types of jobs theyโre good for. There are a few good all-around tools that I feel are essential, like the armorerโs wrench, and a few that are for specialty projects as well.
How to Choose Quality Tools
Finding a quality tool for your AR-15 will take a bit of detective work and knowing how to distinguish something great from something that isnโt so great in terms of quality and performance. And the best quality will definitely save you a lot of money for the long-term (and for good reason). Here are some things to look for as you find quality tools for your AR-15:
Price
The price might be important to you if you are a budget shopper. But it shouldnโt be the main reason why you went with the tool of choice. If you are looking for something that is the best for your bank account, make sure that the quality and performance is more than satisfactory. The last thing youโll want to do is invest in something that might be considered subpar.
Material
As a rule, find the best quality materials in your tools. These include all kinds of steel, aluminum, and polymer to name a few. These materials are proven to take on all kinds of abuse and damage. Furthermore, they are also proven to extend the lifespan of tools, accessories, and everything else that pertains to firearms. Keep these in mind as you are looking for something in high quality.
Ease of Use
Even if you have never used AR-15 related tools in your lifetime, youโll need to find one that wonโt be too difficult to use. Find tools that will give you an easy learning curve and youโll be able to use them consistently without having to deal with any additional issues.
Review of the Best AR-15 Tools
The following is a list of the ten best AR-15 tools available on the market. As you go through each one, you should note the features and characteristics so you can be able to find out if itโs a tool that you need for any purpose at all. You can choose one tool or multiple numbers (depending on what you need).
Customizing your AR-15 from butt to barrel is a great adventure. Each of these tools will unlock (sometimes literally) a new aspect of the AR-15 to customize. This covers everything from specialty wrenches specific to gunsmithing to some tools you may already have on hand, like needle-nose pliers. Letโs take a look at the first AR-15 tool on our list:
Armorerโs Wrench
The armorerโs wrench is one of the few things on this list that Iโd say is essential for any new gunsmith to own. Partly I recommend it because a good armorerโs wrench is an excellent multi-tool that will perform as many as a dozen functions. If youโre looking for a way to test the waters and see how much a few tools can expand your AR-15, start here.
There are a few different types of armorers wrench. Make sure to find a good multi-tool-style wrench, such as Brownellโs or Wheeler Engineering. These multi-tool armorerโs wrenches can handle everything from barrel removal to buffer tubes to pretty much anything that might need to get wrenched. A good armorerโs wrench should enable you to almost completely disassemble your upper without any help.
Best Armorerโs Wrench:
Brownellโs AR-15 Armorerโs Wrench
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were pretty happy about this tool. The overall construction was solid and didnโt scuff up or scratch easily. Most of the new users say that this wrench was used for the installation and uninstallation of many AR-15 tools. Even one user said that this is a must-have for any novice level gunsmith on his workbench.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This wrench has all kinds of heads that will fit in different sizes. Need a ยฝโ? You got it. โ โ? Yup, itโs got that too. You wonโt have to play guessing games and have to choose between so many wrenches. You have all your common measurements right here in one tool. So if you are looking for a wrench that is convenient enough to provide you with enough heads to work with, investing in this wrench will be the smart thing to do.
Who Will Use This Most
This will come in handy if you are planning on installing different parts and accessories on your rifle. Whether itโs compensators or even stocks, youโll need something that will allow for easy tightening along with a good amount of torque to ensure that every nut and bolt stays on nice and tight.
Bottom Line
The Brownells AR-15 Armorerโs Wrench will certainly exceed your standards and needs if you want a tool for all your tightening and untightening needs. Whether you are a novice level gunsmith or someone that needs to install an accessory or two, this wrench will be your best friend for every DIY project you do.
Vise and Vise Blocks
A vise & vise block are both essential tools for keeping your upper receiver steady while you clean or work on it. The vise is the most important aspect, as often you can get away with using the vise without a vise block in order to steady the AR-15 gentle without risk of damaging any of the hardware.
Vise blocks, while somewhat optional, are very helpful for making your work a bit easier, and also ensuring you wonโt damage any parts of your receiver. They create a firm hold without threatening to bend or scratch up parts. Theyโre pretty much essential in any build thatโs going to require you to apply torque to any part of the receiver.
Upper Vise Block:
Precision Reflex, Inc. AR-15/M16 Upper Receiver Vise Block
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers were quite happy with this vise block. They were usually used for the purpose of working on their rifleโs upper receivers so they can remove and replace any needed parts. One user said that this has helped him out quite a bit while he was working to put together his own AR-15 rifle build. So far, he hasnโt disappointed him in terms of overall performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This vise block is sturdy, smooth, and pretty dang easy to operate. Itโs the kind of tool youโll need so you can be able to keep things held in place while youโre putting in the work required for any installation or building purposes. This vise block is not too large or small, but itโs sizeable enough to fit on most workbenches. So if you want a vise block that wonโt take up too much space and will be useful for most of your DIY projects, this might be the vise block to go with.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be an excellent addition to a workbench if you are a novice gunsmith or if you are looking to build your AR-15 from the ground up and need a mean of support. This vise will certainly stand the test of time and will give you many years of faithful service. If you need a vise block that wonโt steer you wrong when you need it most, this could be the tool you need.
Bottom Line
The Precision Reflex Inc. AR-15/M16 Upper Receiver Vise Block will definitely be an AR-15 builderโs favorite accessory. Even if you are starting out with gunsmithing your own rifles, this is a tool that you shouldnโt exclude as part of your workshop for building and repairing AR-15 rifles.
Takedown/Pivot Pin Tool
Takedown/Pivot Pin tools are an inexpensive life-saver for lower receiver jobs. When you use a punch to remove detent pins, 10 times out of 10 they end up flying across the room and disappearing on the floor, never to be seen again.
Pivot Pin Tools contain a special punch and a rotating โcatcherโ that allows you to safely remove the pins and catch them without sending them flying.
Special Operations Train Acade - AR-15/M16 Pivot Pin Installation Tool
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new buyers were satisfied with this tool. They said that this was used to ensure that their pins and detents were installed in place and didnโt fall out or fly all over the place. One user said that he was using this so he can prevent his lower receiver from completely falling apart.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a small tool that you can use as something that will help you easily install your pins (which can be a real pain to do at times). Not only that, it will even save you a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted on fiddling with these small pins and detents that might easily come loose or even get lost after they break. If you need a tool that will do a better job at keeping your pins put together, this is it.
Who Will Use This Most
Itโs the perfect tool for anyone that has long suffered from issues regarding pins, detents, and all the little small parts that keep things together. If you purchase this, nevermore will you have to deal with all the frustration of small parts giving you a hard time in terms of installing them or even removing them for repairs or maintenance.
Bottom Line
The Special Operations Train Acade AR-15 Pivot Pin Installation Tool might be something worth investing in if you always have had a hard time working with pins on your rifle. The installation process will be a lot better if you have something like this to put to good use. Youโd be wise to have it on hand even if you donโt always have trouble with installing good AR-15 parts and accessories.
Punches
Beside the pivot pin tool, it will be helpful to have a set of roll pin punches for removing the roll pins from around the AR trigger. The pins in the lower receiver are often the biggest sources of annoyance in a build.
Theyโre easy to bend or dent, and often installed in places that are sensitive to scratches, scuffs, bending, or even snapping. A good set of punches will make your life a lot easier and take the natural shape of the AR-15 pins into account.
Starrett - #565 Pin Punch Set
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were impressed with the overall quality of this tool. They were even more impressed with the ease of use. Most of them had utilized this for the purpose of disassembling their weapons so they can clean it or perform maintenance work on it. One user said that he bought a couple in different sizes and has been excellent fits and therefore makes pin removal really easy to do.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This tool is simply designed and thus simple to use. There really isnโt any other way to describe it. Pins can be tough to remove. The only way that you have to remove them is by using a tool that is long enough and will have a good enough fit so it can push through and come out one of the pinholes. You have different widths and lengths at your disposal so disassembling and assembling your rifle will be quicker and easier than ever.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a much-needed tool for those who are AR-15 owners who regularly maintain their rifles. You donโt have to be a skilled gunsmith in order to own a tool like this. So if you need something that will make assembly and disassembly a breeze, this Pin Punch Set will certainly be a tool that you cannot afford to ignore. Use this to your advantage and youโll be able to remove pins at the snap of a finger.
Bottom Line
The Starrett #565 Pin Punch Set is definitely a tool that you need to have in the old toolbox. Especially if you are planning on doing regular maintenance or upgrades to your AR-15 rifle. This tool will take out even some of the most stubborn of pins and will go above and beyond compared to other tools like this, but are flimsy and unreliable.
Hammer/Mallet
Having a good mallet is the other helpful part of detent removal and replacement. Most good gunsmiths use a small brass hammer which is light, accurate and unlikely damage the receiver itself. A heavier, sturdier hammer may run the risk of damaging your equipment.
Commando Miniature Ball Pein Hammer
[amazon fields="B0002DSPNY" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new buyers were pretty happy with this hammer. They said that this tool was straightforward and simple to use for the purpose of removing and replacing pins. One user said that the hammer did its job brilliantly while he was putting together some parts during a recent AR-15 building project. The hammer didnโt do any damage and doesnโt scuff up itself.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Why shouldnโt you need a hammer for any building or maintenance project? This hammer is made from high-quality metals that are proven to be difficult to damage. So it will be something that will last you quite a while and can take on the heavy-duty bumping and banging that will come with the territory of assembling or disassembling a rifle. If you need a tool that is simply a no brainer addition to your toolbox, this ball peen hammer will certainly be a great investment.
Who Will Use This Most
This hammer will be of good use to anyone who loves a good DIY project with AR-15 rifles. So if you are a DIY kind of AR-15 user or if you are a gunsmith that needs a solid tool for all your projects, this might be exactly what youโre looking for. Donโt be surprised if it ends up becoming your most trusted tool a few years down the road.
Bottom Line
The Commando Ball Peen Hammer is simply put one of the most useful tools on the list. Whether you do regular maintenance or work on other guns as a gunsmith, this hammer will be a reliable and much-needed addition to your growing collection of AR-15 tools. Donโt do any work without this hammer in your possession.
Screwdriver and Needle-Nose Pliers
Screwdrivers and needle-nose pliers are probably tools you have laying around that will be good to keep on hand for gunsmithing. Theyโll help you hold things like detents in place while you replace or remove them, and keep you from crushing your fingers in the process.
DOWELL 9 Small Homeowner Tool Set
[amazon fields="B01N7SC2VQ" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
These tools are a godsend for many new users. They needed all these screwdrivers and hammers to make all kinds of DIY projects a lot easier to do. One user said that he was able to use these tools for various gunsmithing projects on his own AR-15 rifle (and even helped out a buddy of his install a couple of accessories using these tools).
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of course, this stands out to us because you have so many tools at your disposal. You have all kinds of them to use for whatever purpose is necessary for any building or maintenance project you have lined up. You donโt have to be a gunsmith to own a set of tools like this. But the least you can do is have a bunch of tools that will make any DIY project easier than pie.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be useful for those with excellent gunsmithing skills and also for those who donโt but do have some basic know-how to pull off a lot of DIY projects. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, these tools are excellent in quality and will be put to good use in more ways than one. If you want a set of tools that are built to last, these are it.
Bottom Line
The Dowell 10 Piece Small Tool Kit is exactly the set you need if one tool just wonโt cut the mustard for you. You may use every piece or just a couple. Either way, you have all these tools at your disposal for just about any AR-15 project you are able to work on. Plus, these tools are super difficult to wear down, thus making it really great for long-term use.
Accessories
While not as much 'tools', these other considerations ensure you're doing a complete job and maintaining your weapon correctly.
Lubricant
AR-15s are best kept โwetโ for maximum efficiency. They need to be well-lubricated or else youโll start to get metal-on-metal grinding and things will eventually lock up. Everyone has their secret lubricant they like to useโeverything from multi-ingredient home brews to commercial products.
Part of the importance of keeping your AR-15 lubed is that it will extend the lifetime, but also allow you to stretch the periods between cleaning a little bit. When looking for a good commercial lube, look for ones that advertise some kind of cleaning capabilities. These products will help manage any unwanted particles that might otherwise damage your AR-15.
M-Pro7 070-1453 4oz 7 Lpx Gun Oil
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users loved using this gun oil for the purpose of cleaning their rifles. They managed to clean out all kinds of dust and debris without leaving any behind. They also were pretty impressed with the protective layer that they left as a result of cleaning their barrels and all other parts of their rifle. One user said that just a little bit of this oil kept his rifle clean for quite a while.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of course, maintenance is important for your rifle. So it would make good enough sense to clean it every now and then so you are able to keep it going and last you a long time. This oil proves itself in being one of the best cleansing oils on the market. Not only will it do a good job cleaning each part of your rifle, but it will make sure that you get maximum protection for the long-term until you need to clean it again.
Who Will Use This Most
This will obviously be used by any AR-15 rifle owner who wants to keep their rifles clean for a long period of time. After one cleaning session, you likely wonโt need to use this again for months. So if you want a gun oil that is made to last, this might be worth your hard-earned money to invest in. On top of that, itโs pretty affordable if you are looking for a gun oil on a budget.
Bottom Line
The Prom Hoppeโs M-Pro 7 Gun Oil will be a gun oil that will do a great job cleaning your rifle and will keep it clean for the long term. If you want a gun oil that wonโt let you down and will be strong enough to stand up to gunk, dust, and debris, this just might be right up your alley.
Cleaning Kit
Like any well-loved piece of equipment, cleaning is an essential part of maintenance. Having a good cleaning kit on hand is a no-brainer. There are tons of great pre-made AR-15 cleaning kits on the market, or you can assemble one yourself with the best of the best.
At the very least your cleaning kit should contain brushes, bore snakes, and cleaning rods matched to your caliber rifle. Youโll also probably want a mat, some rags, and various brushes to help with the cleanup process, as well.
Otis AR-15/M16 MSR/AR Cleaning System
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new buyers were in search of a basic cleaning kit that would work with many AR-15 rifles. They were not disappointed when they used this cleaning kit. According to many users, they said the bore brushes did a superb job cleaning each part of their rifles and didnโt leave a single bit of gunk or debris behind.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This kit is a basic, easy to use cleaning kit that has all the basic tools you need to ensure that your rifle is in tip-top shape and cleaner than before after a good couple of brush-throughs. All the rods and brushes were pretty sturdy and durable. They donโt scratch or leave any lasting damage to rifles. So if you want something that is safe for just about any AR-15 rifle, this could be the cleaning kit youโll need on hand.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a must-have cleaning kit for just about any AR-15 user that takes their rifle seriously. So if you want to clean and maintain your rifle on a regular basis, youโre going to need a basic and easy to use kit that will last you quite a long time. This kit offers itself as an affordable solution that will make sure your AR-15 is clean from the inside and out.
Bottom Line
The Otis Technology Rifle Cleaning System is no ordinary cleaning kit. Plus, it wonโt overwhelm you with a lot of different brushes and other tools. Just a simple collection of cleaning tools that youโll need for any cleaning session no matter how often you clean the rifle itself. These are durable, easy to use, and wonโt break in half like some brushes and rods.
Small Plastic Tray
Once youโve got all these parts togetherโฆ Where to keep them?
A good old-fashioned tackle box (or toolbox in that style) canโt be beat for storage and organization, in my opinion. If you get a pre-made gun cleaning kit, you may end up with a box big enough to store the extra tools you have on hand.
The other useful part of having a tackle box is having a spare, removable tray on hand to help you keep track of parts as you disassemble and reassemble your AR-15. Some of those parts are really dang small and easy to lose track of. A plastic track can help you keep track of where they went and where they need to get back to, too!
Stanley Tools and Consumer Storage STST14028 MultiLevel Organizer
[amazon fields="B01AWLBNK2" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a handful of users were happy with this organizer. For the most part, they have used this for the purpose of storing additional pins, detents, and other small parts that apply to AR-15 rifles. They were confident that thanks to this organizer, they would be able to know where everything is in case they were in search of spare parts.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With two levels of small compartments designed for storage, this is perfect to have when you need a place for any unneeded or spare parts for your AR-15. It will certainly come in handy someday when you need to look for something and you know exactly where it is. It will also be great for gunsmiths since they will need a lot of spare parts to help their customers with their repair or installation projects.
Who Will Use This Most
While it will be ideal for most DIY users, gunsmiths that have a lot of work on their plate will need this for the purpose of storing spare parts. This way, theyโll easily find it and be able to install any pins or anything else on an AR-15 rifle. No matter who you are or what level of gunsmithing you possess, this organizer will certainly provide you with reliable service when you need it most.
Bottom Line
The Stanley Tools and Consumer Storage MultiLevel Organizer is perfect for whenever you need to store whatever is necessary for one single organizing container. Never again will you have to scrounge aroun
Lower Vise Block:
Brownells AR-15/M16 Lower Receiver Vise Block
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new buyers were pretty happy with this vise block. They were using this for the purpose of installing whatever lower parts that were needed for a smooth operation. Most of the new users were also utilizing this for building our rifles from the ground up. Overall, theyโve been quite impressed with space it was not able to take up as well as the durable construction and durability.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of course, if you have an upper receiver vise block there is a good chance youโll need one for your lower as well. Whether you buy them separately or as a package deal, they are worthy additions to have when you are installing new parts of simply building out a rifle from scratch. No matter what you do, itโs important to rely on a solid vise block that is built to last and allows for a strong hold. If you are a gunsmith or if youโre just working on your rifle, this tool is a must-have.
Who Will Use This Most
This will certainly be a tool that will be handy for novice gunsmiths. But it will also have its uses for when you need to install something on your rifleโs lower receiver. So if you need to install a new trigger assembly or any needed part that involves disassembling your lower receiver (or if you are doing the opposite like building it from scratch), this is the vise block to use.
Bottom Line
The Brownells AR-15/M16 Lower Receiver Vise Block is one of those must-have tools for your AR-15. There might be no other way to say it. Your lower receiver may need to be worked on someday by way of repairs or upgrades. So if you want to do it all yourself, this is the tool that you should have on hand.
Conclusion
Getting a gunsmithing toolkit together isnโt so much different from your usual toolkit, and thereโs a lot of crossover. So really thereโs no reason not to! For such a tiny investment in tools, youโll have virtually endless capabilities for customizing your AR-15.
Most of these tools, especially the armorerโs wrench, will get you a ton of bang for your buck. Set aside a little space for your toolbox and a clean space to set up your vises and youโll be working towards making your old AR-15 into something brand new in no time.
