Tool kit for the Amatuer Smith

6203 Views 41 Replies 21 Participants Last post by stargeezer, Nov 26, 2012

Waveform

Discussion Starter · Oct 9, 2012

Since I started to do more and more fiddling around with my guns (beyond routine cleaning) I started to assemble a separate tool kit just for that purpose. Here's a photo of what I have so far but I wondered what others have found useful/indespensible in their tool box?

I would be lost without my 1/16" punch and love my new "Ruger popper". What else do I need?

Wave

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Waveform

Discussion Starter · #21 · Oct 10, 2012

bearcatter said:
One thing I considered from the start is making everything compact. I have only the tools that I need for my specific guns. Good for me that Wheeler bits are sold individually. Seven bits and a handle covered the screwdrivers. Only exception is a brass punch set I've kept complete.

I have a 20" Flambeau toolbox that holds all of my tools and cleaning gear, with room to spare.

bearcatter, you are the model of efficiency my friend! (Why shoot a Single-Six when a Bearcat will do?

) Too late for me. I already ordered the Wheeler set for $63 and change from Amazon's. (Amazon keeps surprising me with the gun stuff they have at better prices than from places like Midway and free shipping to boot.) At this rate I'll have to trade in my little tackle box on a big rolling Snap-On tool chest....

Wave

weldermyass

· #22 · Oct 11, 2012

I guess I should had read all the posts, lol. Smitty already made the point to never use regular screw drivers. I get long winded some times. Of course the price has come up since I bought mine. I am of the school that tools are and should be a one time purchace. And the bigger point is to use the right tool for the job and a good gunsmiths screw driver set is a must in my book. Good luck to you.

Waveform said:
Looking at screwdriver sets I think the Wheeler set will fit my budget. The set Brownell's has looks awesome and weldermyass described it better than Brownell's does but at over $300 I'll have to leave that one for the pros. I'm going to get a better hammer/mallet and perhaps a full set of punches. And a better vise too.

Wave

jlh820

· #23 · Oct 11, 2012 (Edited)

I have a blue plastic block from Brownells that works great, especially for knocking pins out. I also have a black plastic one made specifically for 1911's and two can be used together as vise jaws. I've got a great little gunsmiths file set from Home Depot. Then there's the venerable Dremel tool. I have an Energizer headband LED flashlight for handsfree work. A cheap, but cool fiber optic bore light from Cabelas. A really handy gimbaled vise that clamps on to a workbench. A go no-go tool for checking headspace on a .45 and a plunger tube staking tool. A couple of really handy springhook tools, a torque wrench, a laser projecting level that I bought for scope leveling. I just bought a Leupold Zero Point magnetic boresighter that is the best one I've seen. A set of electronic digial calipers and other assorted special tools. I have a set similar to what you have reserved for working on guns and tons of tools I've collected over the year as a mechanic and other repair/service jobs I've had over the years.

I recently built a DIY 1911 with just the tools mentioned above and it turned out great.

Don't know if this helps you or not. Most things on pistols can be done with a small hammer, soft metal or brass punch set, good screwdrivers, needle nosed pliers and a machinist or gunsmith set of files. That's what I recommended to my son that just started gun tinkering.

What's the main thing you plan to work on?

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jlh820

· #24 · Oct 11, 2012

WvDave said:
I have one of these interchangeable head hammers in my "smith" kit. I use it quite often. Free shipping from Amazon

SE 8355HH 5-in-1 Dual Interchangeable Head Hammer - Amazon.com

I also have a larger rubber mallet in my kit - I have several Mark III's

That's a great little hammer! I've got one I bought from Amazon, too.

jlh820

· #25 · Oct 11, 2012

One other note, i know the OP has ordered a very nice screwdriver set and the value of having and properly using gunsmith screwdrivers, but for someone on a budget, you can get a small inexpensive set made by Winchester from Wally World.

And yes, that is one longa**'d sentence!

Waveform

Discussion Starter · #26 · Oct 11, 2012

weldermyass said:
I guess I should had read all the posts, lol. Smitty already made the point to never use regular screw drivers. I get long winded some times. Of course the price has come up since I bought mine. I am of the school that tools are and should be a one time purchace. And the bigger point is to use the right tool for the job and a good gunsmiths screw driver set is a must in my book. Good luck to you.

weldermyass, thanks again for the tip on the proper screwdrivers and I really drooled over the Brownell's kit. Just wish it wasn't so expensive - with the torque handle the price is $420 and I just couldn't justify it. I hope I'll be satisfied with the Wheeler set. Folks here like it but there were some pretty negative reviews on Amazon. There were some good reviews on Amazon too - strange how one guy loves a product while another calls it worthless junk!

Wave

Waveform

Discussion Starter · #27 · Oct 11, 2012

jlh820 said:
I have a blue plastic block from Brownells that works great, especially for knocking pins out. I also have a black plastic one made specifically for 1911's and two can be used together as vise jaws. I've got a great little gunsmiths file set from Home Depot. Then there's the venerable Dremel tool. I have an Energizer headband LED flashlight for handsfree work. A cheap, but cool fiber optic bore light from Cabelas. A really handy gimbaled vise that clamps on to a workbench. A go no-go tool for checking headspace on a .45 and a plunger tube staking tool. A couple of really handy springhook tools, a torque wrench, a laser projecting level that I bought for scope leveling. I just bought a Leupold Zero Point magnetic boresighter that is the best one I've seen. A set of electronic digial calipers and other assorted special tools. I have a set similar to what you have reserved for working on guns and tons of tools I've collected over the year as a mechanic and other repair/service jobs I've had over the years.

I recently built a DIY 1911 with just the tools mentioned above and it turned out great.

Don't know if this helps you or not. Most things on pistols can be done with a small hammer, soft metal or brass punch set, good screwdrivers, needle nosed pliers and a machinist or gunsmith set of files. That's what I recommended to my son that just started gun tinkering.

What's the main thing you plan to work on?

jlh820, lots of good suggestions there - thanks! I have a few of those things already and a garage full of tools I've collected over the years for the work I do and general handyman stuff. I ordered a Lyman punch set and a better hammer along with the Wheeler screwdriver set. The headband flashlight is a great idea - think I'll pick one up at Home Depot and look for smaller files there. I picked up a few there but they're still kinda big.

I'll look around for a better vise but the clamp-on sounds like the way to go for now.

The main thing I've been working on is revolvers - replacing pinned front sights, replacing springs, cleaning up the trigger group. Nothing too ambitious - like the 1911 you built! I've checked in on our your progress with that project and it has turned out great! Very impressive.

Thanks for the help. I'm gonna need a much bigger tool box....

Wave

Smithy

· #28 · Oct 12, 2012

Originally Posted by Waveform
Looking at screwdriver sets I think the Wheeler set will fit my budget. The set Brownell's has looks awesome and weldermyass described it better than Brownell's does but at over $300 I'll have to leave that one for the pros. I'm going to get a better hammer/mallet and perhaps a full set of punches. And a better vise too.

Wave

Hang on a second. You don't have to buy the Brownells "Every thing possible" kit of gunsmith screwdrivers. I started out with a very inexpensive smaller set and then as time went on I was always adding to that set. Specialty drivers like the single action screws for a Bisley with it's hex drive and split drive for the ejector rod housing screw. Then there's a bit for the ejector rod latch assemble of a Ruger SRH cylinder. And various other specialty bits. Some where along the ride I added a set of torx bits, allen bits, long phillips bits that are made to fit through a recoil pad and reach the screws there. It's taken me awhile but I have a fair amount of their total production now, but I'm still missing several other bits that as of yet I've not come accross the need for. In fact, when I get a new gun, I check my bin of bits and see what is needed for that particular firearm. I then order a hollow handle driver and bits for just that gun. That way if I need to work on a SRH I grab the SRH screwdriver which will have all the bits I need for that one gun. So yes I do have duplicates, buy I don't run the risk of misplacing them since they are set up for each different gun. Works like a champ and I didn't have to go to the poor house to get it. Brownells doesn't care if you order one bit or fifty, just get the ones you actually need. But do start with a small starter set to get you going. Smithy.

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Waveform

Discussion Starter · #29 · Oct 12, 2012

That's a good suggestion Smithy - thanks. I did already order the Wheeler set since it was $63 at Amazon and free shipping. It looks like it will cover a lot of applications but there were some poor reviews on Amazon too so we'll see. I'm sure it's made in China and not the very best quality. If I'm disappointed in it enough I may do what you suggest and go back to Brownell's and build it up as I go based on need.

Wave

Amishman44

· #30 · Oct 12, 2012

Waveform said:
Since I started to do more and more fiddling around with my guns (beyond routine cleaning) I started to assemble a separate tool kit just for that purpose. Here's a photo of what I have so far but I wondered what others have found useful/indespensible in their tool box?

I would be lost without my 1/16" punch and love my new "Ruger popper". What else do I need?

Wave

That is a nice starter set-up...and there are some excellent suggestions here!

I am building a wooden work-bench, in the basement, primarily for 'smithing when friends bring their guns over...but to be used for other purposes as well! I think I'm really building it to have my tools out and easily accessible so I don't have to open and close a tool box everytime I want to do something...sort of an expensive way to do something simply because I'm lazy...but setting up and putting away everytime takes a lot of time! With little fingers around (ages 4 & 5) I prefer to have them 'up and away'!

Waveform

Discussion Starter · #31 · Oct 12, 2012

Amishman44 said:
That is a nice starter set-up...and there are some excellent suggestions here!

I am building a wooden work-bench, in the basement, primarily for 'smithing when friends bring their guns over...but to be used for other purposes as well! I think I'm really building it to have my tools out and easily accessible so I don't have to open and close a tool box everytime I want to do something...sort of an expensive way to do something simply because I'm lazy...but setting up and putting away everytime takes a lot of time! With little fingers around (ages 4 & 5) I prefer to have them 'up and away'!

Amishman44, I love the wooden workbench idea and would prefer that above all else. When I lived up north we had basements and they were great for such things. I really miss having a basement. Some of the wealthier guys around here have gone as far as to buy warehouse space just to have their own "man-cave" for their hobbies - cars, motorcycles, pool table, guns, whatever. Sigh. That would be nice. But having it right in your house even better. I imagine a combo gunsmith/reloading bench would be perfect for me - just nowhere to put it.

Post a photo of your bench when you're done.

Wave

westgl

· #32 · Oct 12, 2012

That is not a correct tool kit at All!!

1. Hammer WAYYYY!!! too Small 10 pound sludge needed here
2. No Vise Grips???
3. Wheres the super glue?
4. Duct tape!!! wheres the Duct tape!!!?
5. Hack Saw is a MUST have
6. AX
7. Sawsall
8. Dremel
9. Dynamite, in case all else fails
10. Shovel

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Waveform

Discussion Starter · #33 · Oct 12, 2012

westgl said:
That is not a correct tool kit at All!!

1. Hammer WAYYYY!!! too Small 10 pound sludge needed here
2. No Vise Grips???
3. Wheres the super glue?
4. Duct tape!!! wheres the Duct tape!!!?
5. Hack Saw is a MUST have
6. AX
7. Sawsall
8. Dremel
9. Dynamite, in case all else fails
10. Shovel

Those tools were not pictured in the original photo but believe me I have 'em! (Well, maybe not the dynamite...) Oh, and item eleven in your list would be "Craftsman screwdrivers."

Smithy

· #34 · Oct 13, 2012

Speaking of hammers: The tool that I have found indispensable for gunsmith work is my Cook lead Hammers. I use to have one and two pound hammers, but found that I could do everything I needed to with just the one pounder. I have about three handles so I'll have three hammers to choose from at any one time. When they are worn out, I simply get the mold out and cast a new head for a brand new lead hammer. Soft but solid blows on whatever you're working on. You may give a look here to see if it's something you could use.

Lead Hammer Mold Set ( Extra Small 1 lb. ), AS SEEN IN POPULAR MECHANICS, September 2009, FREE SHIPPING!

From this company you can get all the way up to a four pound hammer, although I doubt you'd need that in gunsmith work. They've been a lifesaver for me (no finish scratches). Smithy.

Waveform

Discussion Starter · #35 · Oct 13, 2012

Smithy said:
Speaking of hammers: The tool that I have found indispensable for gunsmith work is my Cook lead Hammers. I use to have one and two pound hammers, but found that I could do everything I needed to with just the one pounder. I have about three handles so I'll have three hammers to choose from at any one time. When they are worn out, I simply get the mold out and cast a new head for a brand new lead hammer. Soft but solid blows on whatever you're working on. You may give a look here to see if it's something you could use.

Lead Hammer Mold Set ( Extra Small 1 lb. ), AS SEEN IN POPULAR MECHANICS, September 2009, FREE SHIPPING!

From this company you can get all the way up to a four pound hammer, although I doubt you'd need that in gunsmith work. They've been a lifesaver for me (no finish scratches). Smithy.

Thanks Smithy - that's pretty interesting and would make a really safe hammer. I don't have a practical means to melt lead so I'll bookmark that for later. But really quite clever. How do you get he old head off when you want to recast a new one?

Wave

ryker411

· #36 · Oct 13, 2012 (Edited)

I use a tool bucket for storage. I found there are many things that would not fit in the toolbox neatly and this holds everthing I need with easy access. Like this:

works for me and is pretty cheap.
this is just a random pic from the internet....

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ironhat

· #37 · Oct 29, 2012

I would caution any of you who are considering the brass punch set in the wooden box. I can't find it online right now so it may be an in-store item only. They are too soft and the smallest of them bend quite easily. I was always cautioned not to use a steel punch but, using padding I don't see a problem.

Incidentally, can any of you recommend a good file set? I'm not trusting HF these days for firearms tools.

jlh820

· #38 · Oct 29, 2012 (Edited)

ironhat said:
I would caution any of you who are considering the brass punch set in the wooden box. I can't find it online right now so it may be an in-store item only. They are too soft and the smallest of them bend quite easily. I was always cautioned not to use a steel punch but, using padding I don't see a problem.

Incidentally, can any of you recommend a good file set? I'm not trusting HF these days for firearms tools.

I got a small punch set from Amazon. It has 2 sets of 4, one brass and the other steel, but it is a soft steel. I use the brass punches 99% of the time since they are cheap and won't damage my guns. And if I bend a brass one,I can easily tap it into place with my hammer. The maker is SE. The part # is ST1024C. I picked up an excellent small file set at Home Depot. The maker is Nicholson set # 42030 Black Diamond.

Both of these items were very inexpensive, I think they were around $10 each. I can't see spending more. These are perfect for gunsmithing.

Also, if you don't already have it, Brownell's make a great Blue Pistol Bench Block, part # 080-000-493. It's specially made to help with punching pins in or out while preventing any damage to the gun. The bench block is about $20-30. But I've not seen anything better for an all purpose smithing bench block

Good luck!

Smithy

· #39 · Oct 29, 2012

I would caution any of you who are considering the brass punch set in the wooden box.

Brownells offers for sale a punch set with either aluminum or steel handles. They come in three different sizes and use replaceable steel punch pins. The replaceable pins not only come in the three different diameters, but also come in a "starter pin" length of 1/2" of the "full punch" length of 2". Simply put a pin into the holder and screw it down into the handle and you're set to go. If the pin brakes, no problem, simply get another and replace it and off you go again. For small sizes, this is the only way to go. Smithy.

bearcatter

· #40 · Oct 29, 2012 (Edited)

I posted before about keeping my kit to just the tools needed for my specific guns. I can pretty much list it.

Seven Wheeler flat bits, a Wheeler base pin bit, a T-8 Torx bit, and a Wheeler handle.

A small flea market driver ground to fit receiver filler screws.

A Husky stubby driver ground to fit a 10/22 takedown screw.

Three hex key wrenches.

Three steel punches, and a set of 8 brass punches.

A small chisel, and a small center punch.

A four ounce ball peen hammer, and a six ounce rubber/plastic hammer.

Two needle nosed pliers.

A one inch C-clamp.

Set of three needle files.

A feeler gauge set.

A bore light and a Mini Mag Light.

Threadlock, Super Blue, Aluminum Black, Scotchbrite, and oil.

That and all my cleaning gear fit in a 20 inch Flambeau tool box, except:

A small bench vise in my basement.

Bonus hint. Those little tin Altoid mint boxes, and plastic 35mm film cans are great for little stuff. I use a Dymo labeler to mark what's what. Two short drawer organizers and a small Rubbermaid container organize the bigger stuff.

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