What punches do you guys use

[Bigs28]

I'm looking for a good center punch kit with hammer etc... All the ones i look at online seem to have terrible reviews of the punches bending or breaking on first use. Could be user error hitting and not tapping but anyone have a good recommendation? My larue trigger just came in and need to install it.

Thanks in advance

[davidj]

I used a golf tee on mine.

[RicosRevenge]

I use a Geisele trigger pin tool just because it came with a trigger I bought years ago. But any punch should work for a trigger because you shouldn't be hitting it too hard (if at all) any way.

http://shop.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/trigger-fitting-pin-sku100015134-68032-143193.aspx?cm_mmc=PPC-_-Itwine-_-Google-_-100-015-134&gclid=Cj0KEQiA-MPCBRCZ0q23tPGm6_8BEiQAgw_bAqm6BG8WMRM-o3PCNDAlhGnxyyJ9MQVjyfOFjKSbvXEaAucz8P8HAQ

[DRandi]

Geissele trigger punch and Snap-On punches, Snap-On hammers. In a pinch, bullet tip, wooden rod, needle nose plier tip...... even used the firing pin before, worked like a champ!






David

[mongoosesnipe]

other than for roll pins i dont really go out of my way to get a special punch for triggers i typically use the geissele once i bought my first geissele previous to that i used what ever was laying around even still roll pins are the only thing i grab a special punch for

[din]

Starrett.

[Klem]

Cheap and cheerful works for me.

I don't have a fancy armourers brass hammer. After a while it becomes a 'nice to have' instead of a 'have to have'. Regardless, you'll need a 1/16" punch in the set - not all sets include one this thin.

[montana]

I use a cheap brass set I have had since the early 90's. I use roll pin punches where needed and they can be found cheap off of Amazon. I have never needed any kind of an expensive punch for AR work. Trigger pins should be finessed into place without any kind of severe hammer work.

[LRRPF52]

I have a Lyman set

Blue punches from hardware store

AR15-specific bolt catch roll pin punch

Delrin punch

Brass hammer

Clevis pin pivot pin installation tool (this is worth its weight in gold)

[Slappy]

Blue punches and any other ones from the hardware store^^^^ BANG BANG!!

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have a KT punch/chisel set from Carquest in the garage. I used dad's Mayhew rollpin punch set for the rollpins on my first build, got a Wheeler set for my second build and they bent like wet noodles... so I had to borrow dad's Mayhew set that is probably older than me again. I see TSC has them for about $40.

[Bigs28]

Thanks for all the input. I will check these out.

[King31]

Don't overthink it. My first AR was just assembled with Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Tools roll pin punches. Worked flawlessly.

[Wheelhorse]

When I was younger before arthritis started working on my hands and my eyesight was better, I could get by with most anything but now, here is what I use on AR's. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/16...unch-set-steel
They are available in both short and long. I got the shot set because I figured they would be less likely to bend. Once the roll pin is inside the hole, any punch will work. For those, I have a set made by Craftsman.
And for starting the bolt catch roll pin I have one of these. https://www.kakindustry.com/reloadin...ols/walts-tool
Yes, I've spent a little money, but so far I have never put a mark on any lower I've assembled, and want to keep it that way.

[montana]

(Yes, I've spent a little money, but so far I have never put a mark on any lower I've assembled, and want to keep it that way.)

I put some Gorilla duct tape over the receiver or any where near I could slip with a punch. It really helps prevent unwanted scratches.