All the Right Tools

Building your own AR or pistol is shockingly easy. At first, it can be intimidating, but with a little guidance and the right tools the job won’t take long. Assembling do-it-yourself gun kits is a great way to know your rifle or pistol and putting them together gives you something to do on those lazy Saturday afternoons. These tools make great Christmas presents as well. 

Wheeler Tools is known for making lives easier to complete tedious tasks. On a recent media trip, Ryan and I set out to build our own Aero Precision rifles and Polymer 80 AFT pistol kits. None of this was possible without the right tools. 

Roll Pin Tool Kit

The AR-15 Roll Pin Install Tool Kit was instrumental during each build. We used the small hammer and punches to install all the delicate pins and more robust pieces. The bolt-catch install tool is critical during the install process. 

AR Pivot Pin

By far, the most underrated tool in our kit, and it costs less than $7.00. The AR Pivot Pin/Roll Pin install tool made the pivot pin spring and detent work faster and more efficient. Ryan and I found ourselves using this tool to work on our rifles frequently. 

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AR Maintenance Mat

If you want to quickly identify parts of your AR rifle you need a schematic. It was nice working on the AR Maintenance Mat from Wheeler. Any oils or solvents that leaked out were soaked up by the mat. This one is on sale as well.

Professional Armorer’s Wrench

Heavily built with purpose, the Professional Armorer’s Wrench possesses every tool you need to build your rifle. It includes six different tools necessary to put the finishing touches on your AR. I own a couple of these wrenches just to have them handy. Plus, they are inexpensive. 

Upper Receiver Action Rod AR-15

This is one of those tools that I understood the purpose, but seldom used until this media event. The Upper Receiver Action Rod AR-15 tool relieves stress on the entire upper receiver when installing the barrel. We utilized this tool, secured in a vise. 

F.A.T. Stix Preset Torque Wrench Set 

This is a brand-new tool from Wheeler Tools. The F.A.T. Stix Torque Wrench Set has all the popular bit sizes and come in 15, 20, 25, and 45 inch-pounds for your scope and base setting. The handle included with the set is well built and ergonomic to fit anyone’s hands. The F.A.T. Stix are a signal of things to come from Wheeler Tools. Everything about the F.A.T. Stix screams innovative and functional. The F.A.T. Stix aren’t available on the site yet, but you can be notified when available. 

55 Piece SAE/Metric Hex and Torx Screwdriver Set

A complete tool set is needed during any build. Wheeler Tools’ 55-piece Hex and Torx Screwdriver Set includes all the most common bits and comes in a useful hard case. This set was used primarily through our AR-15 build and a few, selects bits were used during our Polymer 80 builds. 

The right tools allow us to complete the jobs with less frustration or hassle. Save yourself from stressful builds and pony up the money to buy the tools we all need. If you are interested in purchasing any of these tools Wheeler Tools offers a discount to Gun Talk fans. Enter code GUNTALK10 at checkout to receive 10% off your next purchase. ~ KJ

KJ
Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter and often finds himself in a bass boat. Whether it’s making his way to British Columbia for elk or training with pistols, KJ always seems to find a gun in his hands and adventure on his mind.

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