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G26ster wrote:A plastic or nylon punch set would eliminate all the problems with marring the pins and finish. I have searched all over the web, and cannot find them, but I see some punch "sets" that include a few plastic punches. However no sizes are given. Has anyone seen a complete plastic or nylon punch set in the traditional sizes (i.e. 3/32" 1/8", 3/16" etc.)?

A 3/32 nylon punch would fold up under the stress of driving in a roll pin. I doubt a 1/8 or 3/16 punch would do any better. The best way to avoid marring the finish is to use the right tool; roll pin punches.

TDDude wrote:

dcphoto wrote:There are several tools that will make assembling an AR-15 lower easier. Although none are required, they will save you time and are a good investment if you plan on building more than 1 AR.

A pivot pin detent installation tool. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2648 ... ATION_TOOL" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The pivot pin install tool is a must. That detent and spring will shoot out with the force of a BB gun even with the tool if you're not careful.

The pivot pin installation tool isn't essential. Sure it makes things easier, but you can also use a blunted razor blade to hold the detent while you install the pin. It's a little bit more difficult with the razor, and nearly impossible without a vice block, but it can be done.

There are several tools that will make assembling an AR-15 lower easier. Although none are required, they will save you time and are a good investment if you plan on building more than 1 AR.

A vice block. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2501 ... VISE_BLOCK" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A good set of roll pin punches. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2648 ... IN_PUNCHES" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A good set of roll pin holders. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=781/ ... IN_HOLDERS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A bolt catch pin punch. This will help you avoid damaging the finish while installing the bolt catch pin. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2648 ... _PIN_PUNCH" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A pivot pin detent installation tool. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2648 ... ATION_TOOL" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

An AR combo wrench. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=0/k= ... r15_wrench" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A good brass/plastic hammer. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=1258 ... ASS_HAMMER" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Some grease for lubing springs and detents. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2596 ... GUN_GREASE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

At the minimum I'd get the roll pin punches, the hammer, the combo wrench, and a vice block. I wouldn't buy the vice block from brownells since you can find them for less than $20 elsewhere.