10 Basic Items for Your Armorer’s Kit
While there are an untold number of articles concerning what types of guns are available, there are far fewer when it comes to how to repair your weapon of choice. For those who want to be prepared for changing times, understanding what you need to maintain and repair your weapons is paramount. What follows are 10 basic items that you need for your armorer’s kit so that you can have what you need to clean, maintain, and repair the weapons you own.
Heavy Duty Storage Containers
You will need a place to keep all of your parts, equipment, and tools safe and well organized. You can keep smaller parts in fishing tackle boxes and larger items in more conventional storage boxes. You may need to replace your fishing tackle boxes from time to time since they have moving parts. However, you will also need good, sturdy tool boxes that divide up between what you need in your home and what you can carry with you on the road.
Remember to keep your necessary items to the size of how many weapons you own. Basically, if you only have a couple of weapons, then you will not need a large setup. However, if you have an armory, then you will need to have all the tools, equipment, and parts to service them for years to come.
Armorer’s Manual
Basically, the manuals tell you how to inspect, maintain and repair your weapons. You will need one for each different type of weapon that you have stored in your home. The good news is that many of these manuals are digitized so you can keep them on your computer and print them up when needed. If the worst should occur and your internet access is gone, the printing up the manuals you need should be done quickly before you lose electricity.
Specific Tools for Firearms
You will need basic Armorer tools to work on your firearms, but there will also be a need for tools that are specific to a particular weapon. This means that you’ll need to find out which types of tools are needed for a particular weapon that you own and purchase them so that they will be there when you want to inspect, maintain, or repair your weapon. A good idea is to put the specific tools in a particular pouch or container so that you can grab them for that specific weapon.
Punch & Drift Set
You will need this for virtually all of your firearms as they will help you push pins out of the guns, slave parts together for re-assembly or push the sights out of the dovetails. You’ll need an assortment of these tools in both brass and steel. Remember that brass is not as hard as steel and will deform over time while steel is stronger, but more brittle. So, use them wisely and they will last a long time. Naturally, you’ll want to have extras around as well.
Bench Block
This is a block made from plastic or wood that has drilled holes and valley insets so that you can work on your guns in a safe manner that prevents the surfaces from being harmed. By having a bench block, you can also easily prevent some common mistakes that are made when removing pins for example. The bench block allows you to set the weapon properly and keep the barrel from rolling around if you have separated it from the stock. However, you can create your own bench block from a piece of wood if needed.
Gunsmith Screwdrivers
To have a set of these particular screwdrivers can save you a considerable amount of time and energy. These are finely machined items that are designed to properly fit and work with most guns. This allows you to apply maximum torque on the screws while minimizing the potential damage.
Allen or Torx Wrench Index Set
More gun makers are using Allen or Torx head screws in the weapons that they create, so it is a good idea to have a set of these wrenches around. The good news is that an Allen wrench set is fairly inexpensive and can work on a wide variety of guns. Plus, you can use the smaller ones as pin punches if needed.
From steel or brass cleaning rods and brushes to other types of cleaning implements, you can either purchase a cleaning tool kit or assemble one yourself based on the particular needs of your weapons. The good news is that cleaning kits for weapons are generally inexpensive and you can find those that are made for particular types of handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Be sure to remember the Q-tips as well.
Mallets and Hammers
You will need a few different types of hammers and mallets to work on your guns. A ball peen hammer works well when it comes to tapping out pins. A brass mallet is well suited for starting dovetails or other light impact work. You’ll also want a mallet featuring a plastic and rubber head for tapping out stubborn parts without scarring the weapon itself.
Lubes, Oils, and Solvents
No armorer’s kit is complete without these items that will help clean and preserve your weapons. You’ll want a large set for your home use and a smaller set or two when you are out target practicing, hunting, competing, or just on the road. An all-in-one kit is great, but you’ll want to get the types of oils, lubricants, and solvents that work best for your needs.
Of course, you’ll need other items as well such as a ratchet and socket set for removing bolts, a bench-mounted vise to hold parts, channel locks, fine file and jeweler’s screwdriver set and more to help take care of your weapons. You should also purchase common spare parts for your handguns, shotguns, and rifles so that when they wear our you’ll have the spares needed to complete the repair.
To be prepared with the right tools, equipment, and supplies means that your armorer’s kit will serve you well when taking care of your firearms.