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Talkin' Bout Tools: Mil-Surp Tools 101 |
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| Article by Jamie Mangrum |
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Adobe PDF
Downloadable Version of Article |
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We get a heck of a lot of email on the Surplusrifle.com
web site asking what tools people should be using when
working on mil-surp firearms. So, we decided that maybe it was a good idea
to just develop an article or two on the subject that we
could point people to when the question arises. This article is part
one of a two
part series of articles on the subject. This article titled: "Talkin' Bout
Tools: Mil-Surp Tools 101 (Tools Required for
Disassembly and Reassembly)" will just cover the
tools required to
disassemble and reassemble a rifle.
The second article will be titled: "Talkin' Bout Tools: Mil-Surp Tools 201
(Tools
Advanced: Repair and Modification)" and will cover
much more advanced topics including drill presses, scope
mount jigs, tapping equipment, etc. Basically what tools
are needed to perform advanced maintenance, repairs, and
alterations to mil-surp firearms.
I have found that you can use the wrong tool and take
days to accomplish a task or use the correct tool and
finish the same task in minutes. If you plan on
purchasing more than one mil-surp firearm then it is
worthwhile to invest in some basic tools, if you have
not already. You may find you already have everything
you need or you may have found a way to accomplish a task
that works better for you than what is presented in this
article. If you do discover a better way of doing
something please let us know and we will update the
article at a later date with reader submitted ideas. |
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Good Sources of
Tools |
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When working on firearms there are three places that
are your friends when it comes to purchasing the correct
tools:
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Pins, Drifts, and a Good
Non-Marring Mallet. |
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General Description: Most rifles have a myriad of
pins that need to be removed or drifted out when
disassembling. The best value, if you do not
already own a set of punches, is a kit made by
Lyman. The set includes a brass hammer with
three interchangeable heads, one each of brass,
steel and nylon and 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32",
3/16" and 3/8" steel pin punches and one brass
drift punch. The kit comes in a wooden tray for easy
access. I have used these kits extensively both in my home
work shop and at the range for many years. They will
last a lifetime if taken care of and are a great
value for any home gunsmith. The mallet and
brass drift are the perfect combination to drift
the front rifle sight back and forth while
adjusting the windage.
Price: Between $20 and $35.
Alternatives: I have a collection of
punch sets that I have purchased at hardware
stores and Harbor Freight as I need them. I also
have found that a good solid hickory hammer
handle is a fantastic non-marring mallet that
has universal use and is very cheap. |
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An Extra Pair of Hands |
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General Description: I
have found for so many disassembly and
reassembly jobs that you need a third or fourth hand.
Since most wives do not like working on firearms
there is an inexpensive and durable alternative
that complains a heck of a lot less!
Ranging from holding a trigger in place while
you drive in a retaining pin or depressing a
band spring on a rifle stock while you slide
either an upper or lower band off - quick grip
style clamps are just the ticket. They
generally have rubber coated grips so what you
are holding does not get scratched and can be
operated with a single hand. |
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Price: Between $5 and $10
each. Alternatives: Rubber bands,
string, or possibly genetic limb enhancement/augmentation (I.E. and
extra hand). |
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Dowel Rods |
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General Description: You
really need to own an assorted supply of wooden
dowel rods. Removing barrel bands and
trigger guards is best accomplished in this
manner. You will find that you won't damage,
gouge, or mar the metal or wood surfaces of the
rifle when tapping parts on or off with a dowel. |
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Price: Between $.25 and $1.00
each. Alternatives: Cut pieces of small
gauge PVC tubing, acrylic dowels, etc.
Basically anything that can be used in the same
manner yet still does not damage what you are
working on. |
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Correct Screw Drivers |
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General Description:
Imagine this - you are trying to loosen a screw
on a trigger guard and you strip out the head.
Your first concern and daunting task is how do
you remove the bugger? The second issue is now
you are going to have to pay $1.00 to $5.00 for
a replacement screw from a mil-surp parts
supplier. How do you prevent this catastrophe
from the start? Make sure to have screw drivers
that correctly fit the screw heads you are
working with. MidwayUSA and Brownells both carry
an assortment of set and individual screw
drivers. They all work pretty much the same it
is really driven by your preference. |
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Price: Between $25 and $40.00 for a
set. Alternatives: Imagine this - you
are trying to loosen a screw on a trigger guard
and you strip out the head. Actually you can do
what I have done and purchase the driver handles
and then buy the bits in bulk. |
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Assorted Sundries |
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You will need to round out your tool set
with a
collection of needle nose and cutting pliers,
jeweler's screw drivers of varying sizes, and a
good quality locking pliers. |
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A Magic Block of Wood |
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General Description:
The older types of reloading blocks are the best
thing to have on your work table when
disassembling a firearm. There are so many uses
it is ridiculous! Turn it over and you can use
it to disassemble bolts. When you are taking a
rifle or pistol apart that has countless pins
and springs there is no better temporary storage
then the drilled holes in the top. You will find
pins and springs go in and do not roll around on
the table only to get lost. I love these things! |
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Price: Between $1 and $10.00 each.
Heck, you could make you own for less. Alternatives:
The newer plastic trays can only be used for
holding parts. If you bang on them they will
break easily. Egg cartons also work pretty
good for holding loose parts, but try banging on
them..... |
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And Another Pair of Hands |
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General Description: I cannot tell
you how many times I have needed to keep a rifle
in place while I am working on it. Not to
mention how easy a locking stand makes cleaning
a rifle after a long day of shooting. The Tipton
Gun Vise is worth every penny you spend on it.
It is impervious to cleaners and chemicals and
really easy to clean up after you make a mess.
It is that extra pair of hands you find you
always need when you are removing the rear sight
blade on your SKS or pushing a cleaning patch
down the bore of your 1917. |
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Price: $50. Alternatives: None! |
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Granted this list is not all inclusive of everything you
may need as you start to disassemble and reassemble
firearms, but it is a good place to start. As you find
ways to accomplish these same tasks feel free to email
us with your ideas. Also stay tuned for the second part
of this article coming out soon on advanced tools for
advanced projects. |
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Adobe PDF
Downloadable Version of Article |
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| Article by Jamie Mangrum |
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