Tools of the trade? [Newb Question]

[Bernie7]

Hello AGN,

As I’ve begun to get more and more invested in the engineering and repair of PCPs I’ve run into a problem multiple times. I needed tools or hardware I didn’t already own. (The only thing I already had was a rechargeable power drill and bit kit).

First time it was a torque screwdriver…
Next it was metric hex keys…
Shortly after a Tipton gun vise…
Followed by silicon oil, silicon grease, and graphite powder…
Then it was a Dewey rod with attachments and jb compound…
Then a borescope…
Now it’s a bottle degasser…

So my question is-

In relation to maintaining, repairing and cleaning. What are the items you keep on your bench or in your toolbox? Looking to get ahead of the potential requirements! As always, thank you in advance!

 

[Bigragu]

I’m all about the tools as you’re only as good as your tools on hand. I spent 35 years in a trade where I put food on the table with hand tools so I can appreciate not so much as having the best, but more importantly having the correct tool for the job. Besides the specialty tools I had to buy, craftsman tools was as high a level I went. If I were in the automotive industry I would’ve been more of a snap on guy, but sheet metal workers are hard on tools so I bought tools I could easily get replaced if I shattered them.

It sounds like you have most of the basics. Vice grips with patches of leather to protect finishes when using vice grips, a mini torch from harbor freight, o ring pick tools, channel locks and pliers that have plastic protection on the jaws, polishing cloths or wet/dry sand paper in the fine grits of 600 to 3000, plastic calipers(so to not scratch the guns) that read mm, inch, and fraction with a depth gage, punch sets, reg pressure testers, regulator specialty tools, plastic/rubber tipped mallets, thread repair kits, EZ out fastener removal bits, a rubber punch block, thread pitch finding tools… consumables- JB weld, moly paste, pellet lube, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, standard gun grease, silicone oil and grease… I could go on and on but this comes to mind on my own collection.

Advice- if a specialty tool is made for the purpose of working on a particular gun or to get to a common part within any gun(such as a valve seat tool), get it. It makes life easy, and your not wasting time scouring thru your parts bins looking for something “that might work”.

 

[Bernie7]

@Bigragu I’m looking at these for punch pins

It looks like Grace USA makes the ‘premium’ line and then Wheeler and Real Avid make the solid every man’s kits.

My torque screwdriver is a Wheeler, I like that they sent the calibration results but I’m also a bit of a nut for having ‘all the right sizes’ so I’m leaning towards the kit. But I wish it wasn’t back ordered on Midway, I try not to use Amazon whenever I can.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018248140?pid=258460

Real Avid Punch Set, Gunsmithing Tool Kit with Roll Pin Punch Set, Flat Tip Metal Punch Set, Brass Punch Set and Gunsmithing Tools: Pin Starter Tool, Finishing Non Marring Punch and Staking Punch Tool https://a.co/d/c22uPTl


Do you have some examples of thread repair kits and what is your recommendation for a thread pitch finding tool? I’ve already run into a scenario where that would’ve been really useful! And yes I already have some moly paste as well

 

[Bigragu]

The thread pitch tool looks like a bunch of sockets dangling on a coated wire chain. Each socket has a male thread and other end female. The chain comes each with a set of metric and standard thread checkers.

I use helicoil inserts, and keep a small stash of the most common sizes M3 thru M6. The inserts are all stainless and the kits come with a drill bit, tap, and the tab removal punch tool.
Yeah, see? I forgot to mention a tap n die set, torque wrench, plumb bob(for scope mounting) and if you want to get anal a scope ring lapping tool set.

A small set of hobby size pliers that have fine needle nose type pliers is great to have. Of course an exacto razor blade cut set is indispensable

I do have the Wheeler screwdriver set and punch kit, but also have a set of steel and brass punches separate

 

[dizzums]

a good assortment of sandpaper up to 1000, well stocked dremel kit, some round diamond burrs 3-5mms, cold blue, metalophilic oil, measuring tools, decent resolution scale, a good mini pliers set, plastic mallet, micro file set, several universal oring kits .. off the top of my head, those are useful items when you got one tore down .. also theres a few 'juices' that come in handy, mineral spirits, acetone, metal polish, moly paste ... and a quality decent sized soft paint brush does wonders for cleaning dusting etc ... oh and a set of small cleaning brushes like the ones that include a brass, stainless, and plastic bristle set, very handy ..

 

[KitCarson16]

The most useful tool and required for some jobs is a good six inch vise and a really good set of soft jaws for it. Makes life easy when you need to hold a rifle action securely and not mess up the finish.
And if old and blind like me, a good bright powerful workbench light.
And......a good memory, if you are like me you have a specialty tool you bought or made and put it in a safe place for next time, and cannot figure out where that safe place is. Grin!!

Kit

 

[nervoustrig]

Chronograph!

Surprised it wasn’t mentioned since it belongs near the top of the list but maybe I overlooked it.

 

[Bigragu]

Yes on the vice and chronograph for required tools. With this hobby there should be two lists- a must have list and a nice to have list. I know with the talent that certain members have here their Arsenal goes way beyond a set of metric Allen wrenches. 3D printers, lathes, expensive measuring equipment, etc.

That stuff is on my nice to have list that’s for sure

 

[Bernie7]

a good assortment of sandpaper up to 1000, well stocked dremel kit, some round diamond burrs 3-5mms, cold blue, metalophilic oil, measuring tools, decent resolution scale, a good mini pliers set, plastic mallet, micro file set, several universal oring kits .. off the top of my head, those are useful items when you got one tore down .. also theres a few 'juices' that come in handy, mineral spirits, acetone, metal polish, moly paste ... and a quality decent sized soft paint brush does wonders for cleaning dusting etc ... oh and a set of small cleaning brushes like the ones that include a brass, stainless, and plastic bristle set, very handy ..

Mini files and Diamond burr bits, good idea! I actually have a Dremel I nearly forgot about. The thing must be at least 15 years old and still works fine.

The most useful tool and required for some jobs is a good six inch vise and a really good set of soft jaws for it. Makes life easy when you need to hold a rifle action securely and not mess up the finish. And if old and blind like me, a good bright powerful workbench light. And......a good memory, if you are like me you have a specialty tool you bought or made and put it in a safe place for next time, and cannot figure out where that safe place is. Grin!!

Kit

I got a Tipton Ultra so it has a vise with rubber pads (with channels). Also have a magnifier with a light from my other hobby of mini painting!

Chronograph!

Surprised it wasn’t mentioned since it belongs near the top of the list but maybe I overlooked it.

Got an FX one, love the portability! For me that’s essential. I live in a city so only time I get to shoot is taking a bit of a trip and have to carry any gear.

Yes on the vice and chronograph for required tools. With this hobby there should be two lists- a must have list and a nice to have list. I know with the talent that certain members have here their Arsenal goes way beyond a set of metric Allen wrenches. 3D printers, lathes, expensive measuring equipment, etc.

That stuff is on my nice to have list that’s for sure

I’m really excited to create some STLs. I have some experience in 3D modeling for asset creation in game design but I’m too busy with work to even play around with it. Hoping I can contribute to the community though!

 

[HogKiller]

Hello AGN,

As I’ve begun to get more and more invested in the engineering and repair of PCPs I’ve run into a problem multiple times. I needed tools or hardware I didn’t already own. (The only thing I already had was a rechargeable power drill and bit kit).

First time it was a torque screwdriver…
Next it was metric hex keys…
Shortly after a Tipton gun vise…
Followed by silicon oil, silicon grease, and graphite powder…
Then it was a Dewey rod with attachments and jb compound…
Then a borescope…
Now it’s a bottle degasser…

So my question is-

In relation to maintaining, repairing and cleaning. What are the items you keep on your bench or in your toolbox? Looking to get ahead of the potential requirements! As always, thank you in advance!

Bondhus allen wrenches.

 

[Bernie7]

a good assortment of sandpaper up to 1000, well stocked dremel kit, some round diamond burrs 3-5mms, cold blue, metalophilic oil, measuring tools, decent resolution scale, a good mini pliers set, plastic mallet, micro file set, several universal oring kits .. off the top of my head, those are useful items when you got one tore down .. also theres a few 'juices' that come in handy, mineral spirits, acetone, metal polish, moly paste ... and a quality decent sized soft paint brush does wonders for cleaning dusting etc ... oh and a set of small cleaning brushes like the ones that include a brass, stainless, and plastic bristle set, very handy ..

Does the metalophilic oil replace CLP products or works along side it? Seems like it’s just the rust prevention component.

 

[HubenK1Sniper92]

Don’t forget a good ole bottle of Ballistol, a pick and hook set for changing some of those hard to get at breech seals etc…a gunsmith vise

 

[JimD]

I use hex shank allen wrenches more than L shaped ones. Easier to just use a screwdriver with the bit in it. My set has bits around 2 inches long which is a handy length. I don't love Amazon's politics but that is were I got it.

I have a Husky tap and die set which came with thread pitch tools that look a bit like a feeler gauge. They have fold out pieces with the various thread pitches. This tool and a dial or digital caliper is all I use to find the size of fasteners. I prefer stainless calipers, if you use them right you won't damage your guns.

I've done woodworking for longer than I've been airgunning by quite a bit. I've always bought tools when I had a use for them, not in advance of identifying a need. There are basic things like allen wrenches that are an exception but I wouldn't buy expensive tools until you know you have an application.

 

[Gr8Recreation]

If it hasn’t been mentioned yet, you may want to pick up a good rubber mat with embedded magnets so little screws and pins don’t run away on ya. Some people use a towel but I’m liking some of the mats that were suggested on a previous thread.

 

[jarmstrong]

calipers, 6" digital,, this one is a good, mid-range price wise $44, not a piece of cheap and not a high dollar name brand

iGaging Electronic Caliper ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 6" Digital IP54 Extreme Accuracy | eBay

IGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN Origin Digital Caliper. It's not necessary to reset zero. Standard USB data output. IP54 splash water and dust resistant. Accuracy: 0.001"/0.02mm. Important Information. 2 Years warranty.

www.ebay.com

 

[thumper]

You don't need a myriad of lubricants or torque instruments to work on and maintain PCPs. Here's what I consider necessary:

#1 Numero Uno most important: A GOOD spring piston gun for when all this crap fails to work or gets to be more trouble than it's worth. I'm serious.

A chronograph is mandatory. I prefer a REAL chronograph and not the barrel clamp jobs. Point it and shoot across it and it works.

A good set of calipers.

You need a decent set of Allen type screwdrivers/T-handles/bits whatever your preference. A cheap set from Amazon will do what you need.

A set of plastic non-marring picks or a tray of bent up safety pins for removing orings without damaging sealing surfaces.

Any kind of basic oil or grease for lubing orings and sliding surfaces. You DON'T need graphite or moly for any of it. Cheap plumber's silicone lube from Lowes and a light oil and a dab of any old grease will do anything in the gun as good or better than anything else. There is nothing in a PCP that requires an EP rated grease, and using thick ass moly paste is a guarantee for disaster with time or temp changes.

A vise is a basic necessity for any kind of work. A gun vise is handy for mounting scopes, as is a decent level of some sort.

A bottle of soap suds.

A small fine arkansas stone

A pull through barrel cleaning setup of some sort.

That's about all you NEED to do almost anything.


I also like to have:

TIG welder
Lathe
20 ton press
Drill press
A zillion oddball metric orings
Various sizes of Delrin and brass rod
A stainless CB whip antennae cut down for pushing pellets through the bore
Pellet tins full of random metric screws, washers, springs, roll pins, and ball bearings.

 

[Bernie7]

Don’t forget a good ole bottle of Ballistol, a pick and hook set for changing some of those hard to get at breech seals etc…a gunsmith vise

Yeah I got ballistol on day one : ), although I’ve switched to froglube. ACTUALLY there’s something I’ve wanted to ask you Airgun veterans. Why tf is the safety warnings on ballistol so severe if it’s just mineral oil..?!?! I have some good picks from my days as a computer repair technician. And I got a Tipton Ultra from Midway which is absolutely love. Incase anyone is on the fence about it due to all the “plastic”, it’s the ultra dense type not thin floppy stuff.

I use hex shank allen wrenches more than L shaped ones. Easier to just use a screwdriver with the bit in it. My set has bits around 2 inches long which is a handy length. I don't love Amazon's politics but that is were I got it.

I have a Husky tap and die set which came with thread pitch tools that look a bit like a feeler gauge. They have fold out pieces with the various thread pitches. This tool and a dial or digital caliper is all I use to find the size of fasteners. I prefer stainless calipers, if you use them right you won't damage your guns.

I've done woodworking for longer than I've been airgunning by quite a bit. I've always bought tools when I had a use for them, not in advance of identifying a need. There are basic things like allen wrenches that are an exception but I wouldn't buy expensive tools until you know you have an application.

I also hate supporting Amazon given how terribly they treat their workers but sometimes it’s the only way to get something in time or you don’t want to dish out the money for something you’ll use so infrequently.
Thank you for recommending Husky brand tap and die kit, I’ve been looking at sets for the past week and somehow didn’t see their’s but it looks perfect!
I already picked up a cheapo pitch finding tool, I wanted to buy American but the Starett thread finding tools are literally 10 times the price and start at $60.
I have on loan my friends fancy digital calipers but eventually I’ll get my own.

 

[Bernie7]

If it hasn’t been mentioned yet, you may want to pick up a good rubber mat with embedded magnets so little screws and pins don’t run away on ya. Some people use a towel but I’m liking some of the mats that were suggested on a previous thread.

I used to use a towel, then I got a real avid work mat to cover the back 2/3 of my table and the front I have a mat exactly like the one you described which i really like.

calipers, 6" digital,, this one is a good, mid-range price wise $44, not a piece of cheap and not a high dollar name brand

iGaging Electronic Caliper ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 6" Digital IP54 Extreme Accuracy | eBay

IGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN Origin Digital Caliper. It's not necessary to reset zero. Standard USB data output. IP54 splash water and dust resistant. Accuracy: 0.001"/0.02mm. Important Information. 2 Years warranty.

www.ebay.com

Thank you for the recommendation: )

You don't need a myriad of lubricants or torque instruments to work on and maintain PCPs. Here's what I consider necessary:

#1 Numero Uno most important: A GOOD spring piston gun for when all this crap fails to work or gets to be more trouble than it's worth. I'm serious.

A chronograph is mandatory. I prefer a REAL chronograph and not the barrel clamp jobs. Point it and shoot across it and it works.

A good set of calipers.

You need a decent set of Allen type screwdrivers/T-handles/bits whatever your preference. A cheap set from Amazon will do what you need.

A set of plastic non-marring picks or a tray of bent up safety pins for removing orings without damaging sealing surfaces.

Any kind of basic oil or grease for lubing orings and sliding surfaces. You DON'T need graphite or moly for any of it. Cheap plumber's silicone lube from Lowes and a light oil and a dab of any old grease will do anything in the gun as good or better than anything else. There is nothing in a PCP that requires an EP rated grease, and using thick ass moly paste is a guarantee for disaster with time or temp changes.

A vise is a basic necessity for any kind of work. A gun vise is handy for mounting scopes, as is a decent level of some sort.

A bottle of soap suds.

A small fine arkansas stone

A pull through barrel cleaning setup of some sort.

That's about all you NEED to do almost anything.


I also like to have:

TIG welder
Lathe
20 ton press
Drill press
A zillion oddball metric orings
Various sizes of Delrin and brass rod
A stainless CB whip antennae cut down for pushing pellets through the bore
Pellet tins full of random metric screws, washers, springs, roll pins, and ball bearings.

For me personally the FX chrono is ideal. I live in the city so when I shoot I’m packing gear and the little Fx one slips right into the range bag.
If I ever get a place with some land I’m sure I’ll keep a break barrel handy. I wound up getting some Allen wrenches although in retrospect I kinda wish I got a proper bench set.

Regarding the metal to metal lubricants, I swear this is one of the most debated subjects on the forum, which products to use and where. I understand a lot of guys have been getting great results doing things a certain way for decades so I’m guessing that’s why. Regardless, I wound up getting an assortment based on community input. I’m sure you’re right but my reasoning is based largely on the price of the PCPs. I felt it made sense to spend the extra money of the cleaners, rust prevention and lubricants considering they’d be trivial in comparison to the cost of the hardware they’re being used on.

Specifically with moly paste/graphite could you educate me on the pitfalls, seemed like it was universally recognized as beneficial but it looks you’ve experienced some issues first hand…?

I dream of the day I can have my own workshop, lathe =

I’ll post my workspace with my tools in the near future so y’all can see. I love where I live but I probably have the tightest workspace of anyone on the forum. Which is incidentally why I love the cleaning/maintaining aspect so much. At the end of the day when I’m done coding I can’t walk out back and shoot but I can wheel my chair over to the other side of the room and start tinkering

Thanks for all the input so far this has been amazing feedback. Please keep it coming, hopefully anyone looking for this type of information down the road will search for it and have this wealth of knowledge available!