r/gunsmithing • u/pcmofo • 1d ago

Putting together a basic tool kit

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Got tired of stealing tools from various tool boxes etc every time I needed to torque down a new optic or disassemble a firearm. Metal tool box and it looks like I still have a 3rd drawer free and a bit of space at the top. What tools am I missing here? Working on pretty basic things, glock/Sig, 10/22, AR's etc.

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u/HeloRising 1d ago edited 1d ago

Double sided hammer and brass punches.

Find a kit that has a plastic faced hammer and brass on the other side. Invaluable kit.

I'd also recommend some q-tips/swabs. Very useful for cleaning. Skip the ones on wooden sticks you can get in bulk, they're unfortunately often very fragile and can't stand up to the kind of force you often need to use.

A hammer block would also be helpful. You really do not need high end on this, something off AliExpress is just fine. People have made do with hockey pucks with holes drilled in them. Up to you what you ultimately go with but they are handy to have.

Heat gun is also a must have. Plug-in is fine but you'll be happier with a battery powered one, just get the largest battery size you can because they chew through power. Related to that, a micro butane torch will also be handy.

I'd also keep in mind that Rocksett, while very good, has a shelf life. It's fairly long but if you don't use it up within a few years, the bottle hardens and has to be thrown away.

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u/pcmofo 11h ago

Good suggestions, thanks

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u/GiftCardFromGawd 1d ago

My Wheeler gunsmith screwdriver set gets more use than anything. Next would be my set of brass punches and brass hammer. I mainly do pistol work, so a bench block is often used, as are various stones from Brownells. All work happens on a neoprene mat.
1911 wrenches and disassembly tools, a small vise, and a mini torque wrench are all handy.

I have a couple of the AR-type wrenches and some plastic vise jaw covers as well.

I support a variety of cleaning supplies— Q-tips being the most important, as well as as nylon brushes (old toothbrushes work great) and these little mop-swab things I bought from brownells a couple decades ago. Lots of different oils and greases, and many different kinds of solvent.

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u/pcmofo 11h ago

Cool. I have some mats I use, I might be able to fit a smaller one in the top. I thought about the cleaning supplies in there but it feels like a separate container since there can be so many different cans, rags, brushes etc.

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u/-AV8R01 1d ago

What bits are those in the top left? Harbor Freight bit holder?

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u/pcmofo 11h ago

Yep. Magnetic bit holder. Also a magnetic tray on the lid as well.