Top 5 Workbench Tools You Need to be a Successful Gunsmith
Gunsmithing is a fulfilling hobby or business that provides both a social aspect and personal pride. You can create custom firearms from scratch, customize certain aspects, or repair different guns, depending on your interests and skills. But like everything, having the correct workbench tools will make all the difference when completing these tasks. The reality of being a gunsmith without the correct tools is like being a hairdresser without scissors; you will be unable to do a high-quality job or, in some cases, unable to do your job at all.
While some firearms and repairs will require specific tools, every gunsmith needs a general list of tools that are both useful and multi-purpose, making life easier for everyone. Within this article, we divulge some of the basic workbench tools you will need if you are a gunsmith who likes to keep a simple job simple.
Gunsmith Hammer and Punch Set
A lot of time as a gunsmith, you will be completing very intricate work that includes disassembling a firearm to customize or repair a part. This needs to be completed without any unnecessary damage, and to do this, you need a range of specialized tools, which include a gunsmith hammer and a punch set. This set includes various small tools such as mini steel hammers and several different-sized punches. They usually include interchangeable heads of different metals like brass, nylon, or even rubber. This will ensure that any part of the firearm that you may strike will not be scratched or dented. These are essential for stripping pistols, upgrading AR-15 triggers, and changing sights.
Torque Wrench/Screwdriver
A torque wrench is an essential workbench tool for a gunsmith who enjoys the little details. It is true that you can tighten everything by hand that you need to; for that, you can use a screwdriver, which is another tool that would be appropriate for your toolbox. But for the intricate work, you need something more precise. The torque wrench can be used to tighten components to maintain zero, without damaging any parts of the gun. For instance, some rifles have multiple scopes, and if they are tightened too much, there is a risk that the scope itself could be crushed and damaged. Both torque wrenches and screwdrivers can be used separately or in conjunction with each other, but they are definitely essential workbench tools.
Hollow-Ground Screwdriver Set
We have previously talked about the use of screwdrivers, but hollow-ground screwdrivers have a different application than regular screwdrivers in gunsmithing. Unlike their tapered equivalents, hollow-ground screwdrivers are made from hardened steel that have parallel sides that fill an entire slot. This provides a “locked-in” effect, which provides maximum torque without damaging delicate screw heads. This set comes in a variety of widths and thicknesses, which ensures a precise match with any screws that are found on firearms.
Robust Bench Vice with Soft Jaws
While there are several essential workbench tools that you need as a gunsmith, there are other items that work in combination with these tools, one of which is the bench vise. The tool is essentially like a set of jaws with padding that hold the gun in place for safety reasons. This is especially important when completing high-torque tasks, including removing barrel nuts or receiver extensions. It provides a secure platform when you are drilling, polishing, or filing different parts. Thus, creating a safer environment reduces the chance of injury.
Bench Block
Sometimes, when working on a gun, you need to have said gun raised off the table, but also need it in a stable position. This is especially important during assembly, disassembly, and maintenance, or if you need to remove a pin or two by force. This is where bench blocks are your friends. They are plastic blocks that have different holes and slots to hold every type of gun in place while you bash and bosh it. These are a game-changer if you don’t have a master vise and like your hands functional. They are widely available in different sizes and colours.
Along with the tools that have been mentioned within this article, other workbench tools that are not essential but could be very useful include items such as Digital Calipers, Files, Stones, and a Magnetic Parts Tray to hold all the many, many nuts, bolts, and screws you will use daily.
Gunsmithing is a wonderful career that will push you creatively and logically while building a work family through networking with like-minded people. It is a niche market and can require years of practice and learning to become well-versed in all the intriguing aspects of it. As there are so many different areas under the gunsmithing umbrella, many workbench tools are needed. Hopefully, this min guide helped you set up the basics of your gunsmithing toolbox. For any other information, MGS Trade School is an excellent database full of free information, courses, and articles on everything you will ever need to know about gunsmithing. Visit now to expand your knowledge today!
Written by: Ryan Clancy, Mechanical Engineer
