{"id":213754,"date":"2025-03-16T13:11:05","date_gmt":"2025-03-16T18:11:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=213754"},"modified":"2026-01-02T05:31:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T11:31:59","slug":"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\/","title":{"rendered":"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">7<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Put down the Dremel. If there\u2019s work to be done on your AR-15, there are far better tools to do it with than the type you find at the local hardware store. It might come as a surprise, but there are specific tools for the many intricacies of gunsmithing. One of the best brands for those tools is Real Avid, a manufacturer with a vast array of tools and products designed to make your gun life easier. These are a few of the most useful tools we\u2019ve found for the <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=AR-15\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\">AR-15<\/a> and why you should add them to your gun toolbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ar-15-gun-tools-gunsmith-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"AR-15 with hexmag\" class=\"wp-image-213756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ar-15-gun-tools-gunsmith-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ar-15-gun-tools-gunsmith-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ar-15-gun-tools-gunsmith-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ar-15-gun-tools-gunsmith-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ar-15-gun-tools-gunsmith.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-real-avid-smart-fit-ar-15-vise-block\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\" data-level=\"2\">Real Avid Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-lug-lok-upper-vise-block\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\" data-level=\"2\">Lug-Lok Upper Vise Block<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-real-avid-pivot-pin-tool\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\" data-level=\"2\">Real Avid Pivot Pin Tool<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-accu-punch-hammer-amp-ar-15-pin-set\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\" data-level=\"2\">Accu-Punch Hammer &amp; AR-15 Pin Set<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-check-out-the-tools\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\" data-level=\"2\">Check out the tools:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/block-vise-real-avid-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Real Avid lower vise block\" class=\"wp-image-213757\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/block-vise-real-avid-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/block-vise-real-avid-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/block-vise-real-avid-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/block-vise-real-avid-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/block-vise-real-avid.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It&#8217;s good to have a Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block, because it&#8217;s adjustable and holds the lower receiver firmly in place. (Photo\/Kat Stevens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-real-avid-smart-fit-ar-15-vise-block\">Real Avid Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To use the Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block, you need a vise. Although you could get fancy with your vise, just about any style will do. It\u2019s possible to work on your AR-15 with the vise clamped to whatever sturdy surface is handy, but it does make things easier if you\u2019re able to bolt it in place. The purpose of the Real Avid Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block is to ensure your gun remains solidly in place while you\u2019re working on it. This is especially important when you\u2019re applying torque or doing any delicate work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Real Avid Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block is an adjustable mag well block designed for use with MIL-SPEC AR-15s. If you want to use it on an <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=ar-10\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\">AR-10<\/a>, there\u2019s an additional sleeve available to make it fit. It\u2019s manufactured using durable, tough plastic and it\u2019s made to last. Real Avid designed it with an oversized edge and texturing for a more secure fit in the vise. A magazine catch locks the block in place during use. To make it fit tightly, insert it in the mag well and turn the adjustment handle until it\u2019s snugly fitted. I\u2019ve used this block with a vise clamped onto a table and also with my vise bolted to the gun bench, and it works great. Yes, you get better stability when it\u2019s used with a bolted-down vise, but if you\u2019re able to securely clamp the vise down you\u2019ll have a secure setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/upper-receiver-block-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"upper receiver vise block\" class=\"wp-image-213758\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/upper-receiver-block-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/upper-receiver-block-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/upper-receiver-block-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/upper-receiver-block-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/upper-receiver-block.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Keeping the upper in place during maintenance or building is a must, and this soft metal block won&#8217;t damage your parts, either. (Photo\/Kat Stevens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lug-lok-upper-vise-block\">Lug-Lok Upper Vise Block<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, there\u2019s also a vise block designed for the upper receiver. The Lug-Lok Upper Vise Block allows you to lock your upper receiver in place so it stays still while you\u2019re working on it. That might sound like a small thing, but it\u2019s an important one. It\u2019s a lot easier to assemble an upper if it isn\u2019t sliding all over the place. Especially when it comes to getting the various springs and pins in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what makes Real Avid\u2019s version of an upper vise block better? It\u2019s the fact that the cylindrical end fits snugly in the barrel lugs on any MIL-SPEC upper. The block comes with locking pins you utilize to make sure it won\u2019t move, and it works impressively well. If you\u2019re thinking you\u2019d never need this, you\u2019d be wrong. Using the Lug-Lok Upper Vise Block allows you to apply necessary torque without stressing or damaging the receiver, delivers a stable platform for building or maintenance, and helps you properly align the receiver. It has a four-position locking system to ensure stability. If you\u2019re worried about having it in the barrel, don\u2019t\u2014this vise is softer than steel, something Real Avid did to make sure it won\u2019t cause barrel extension damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"782\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pivot-pin-tool-1024x782.jpg\" alt=\"ar-15 pivot pin tool\" class=\"wp-image-213759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pivot-pin-tool-1024x782.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pivot-pin-tool-393x300.jpg 393w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pivot-pin-tool-150x115.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pivot-pin-tool-768x586.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/pivot-pin-tool.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Pivot Pin Tool is a tool too many people dismiss as a waste, but it&#8217;s incredibly useful. (Photo\/Kat Stevens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-real-avid-pivot-pin-tool\">Real Avid Pivot Pin Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pivot Pin Tool is one many AR builders dismiss as being silly and pointless. I\u2019m here to tell you it\u2019s a pretty cool little device. Sure, you can mess with the pivot pin with your bare hands, but why not use a tool that makes it ridiculously easy? The Real Avid Pivot Pin Tool is part of the company\u2019s Master Grade Tool line. It exists solely to help you install the pivot pin without launching tiny parts across the room (never to be seen again). For the sake of not having a house that becomes a black hole of detent pins, get this tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This one\u2019s easy to use, and I wish I\u2019d found it sooner. To use it, you slide it into the pin housing of the lower, load the spring and detent into the tool, and then compress the parts into place using the handy plunger. Then you keep them where you want them by simply rotating the tool, removing the plunger, and installing the pivot pin. This tiny red piece of plastic turns what can be a painful gun job into a matter of seconds. I get it, you can install this part with your bare hands and sheer strength of will, but come on. This makes it stupid easy. Get one. You\u2019ll be glad you did. And if you\u2019re not willing to get one for yourself, get one for anyone you\u2019re teaching to build and maintain AR-15s. It makes the learning curve a lot less frustrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/accu-punch-set-roll-pin-punch-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"real avid accu punch set\" class=\"wp-image-213760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/accu-punch-set-roll-pin-punch-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/accu-punch-set-roll-pin-punch-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/accu-punch-set-roll-pin-punch-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/accu-punch-set-roll-pin-punch-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/accu-punch-set-roll-pin-punch.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Accu-Punch Hammer &amp; AR-15 Pin Punch Set is the perfect starter set of punches. It has all the basics and it&#8217;s tucked into a durable case. (Photo\/Kat Stevens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-accu-punch-hammer-amp-ar-15-pin-set\">Accu-Punch Hammer &amp; AR-15 Pin Set<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Face it, you\u2019re going to need a variety of punches and hammers to work on guns. It\u2019s technically true you can whip out the channel locks and a random screwdriver and make do, but that tends to end in tears when you damage the finish or break parts. The Real Avid Accu-Punch Hammer &amp; AR-15 Pin Set is awesome for getting work done without damaging your gun. Also, when you use the right tools for the job, things tend to go a lot smoother with less cursing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Accu-Punch Hammer &amp; AR-15 Pin Set includes a set of standard and roll pin punches made for working on the AR-15. There\u2019s also a double-ended hammer with a total of four different head attachments. That matters because you don\u2019t want to be banging on your gun with whatever hammer or material is in reach. Having the correct head attached, whether it\u2019s brass, rubber, plastic, or metal, is a must. This set also comes with some basic plastic tweezers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s all in a hard clamshell-type case, which is handier than you\u2019d think. Not much is more annoying than knowing you have tools but not being able to find them, and the way Real Avid has these packaged is perfect because you never lose track and the case can\u2019t be destroyed. Seriously, I\u2019ve been awful to this case, and it holds up to all sorts of crushing and abuse. This set is a great option to get you going with rolls and punches. The hammer is a bonus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ar-real-avid-tool\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\">AR Build? Real Avid Has Every Tool You Need in One Master Box<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tools-ar15-punches-springs-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"AR-15 parts and tools\" class=\"wp-image-213761\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tools-ar15-punches-springs-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tools-ar15-punches-springs-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tools-ar15-punches-springs-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tools-ar15-punches-springs-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tools-ar15-punches-springs.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Having the right tools is a must, and if you&#8217;re an AR-15 fan, Real Avid has you covered. (Photo credit: Kat Stevens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-check-out-the-tools\">Check out the tools:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Smart-Fit AR-15 Base <a href=\"https:\/\/realavid.com\/products\/smart-fit-ar15-vise-block-with-sleeve-for-ar10?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&amp;pr_rec_id=e55ab3833&amp;pr_rec_pid=8257731362973&amp;pr_ref_pid=8257643544733&amp;pr_seq=uniform\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lug-Lok Upper Vise Block <a href=\"https:\/\/realavid.com\/products\/lug-lok-upper-vise-block?pr_prod_strat=jac&amp;pr_rec_id=e55ab3833&amp;pr_rec_pid=8257638301853&amp;pr_ref_pid=8257643544733&amp;pr_seq=uniform\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pivot Pin Tool <a href=\"https:\/\/realavid.com\/products\/ar15-pivot-pin-tool?srsltid=AfmBOoqK73C_4Pv1S70LrLlr3TNxNQ2D7sB-Femy47s4Qeyn9fCZ3jS9\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accu-Punch Hammer &amp; AR-15 Pin Punch Set <a href=\"https:\/\/realavid.com\/products\/accu-punch-hammer-ar15-pin-punch-set?_pos=1&amp;_sid=34c7c70b5&amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"real-avid-ar-15-tools-diy-gunsmithing\" title=\"Real Avid AR-15 Tools: DIY Gunsmithing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It might come as a surprise, but there are specific tools for the many intricacies of gunsmithing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":214036,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[59,109,283],"tags":[613,102,614,497],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-213754","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ar-15-gear-reviews","8":"category-gear-reviews","9":"category-tools-gunsmithing","10":"tag-ar-15","11":"tag-feature-articles","12":"tag-gunsmithing","13":"tag-real-avid"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - 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