A well-equipped toolkit is crucial for any gunsmith. The right gunsmiths tools will make complex tasks easier and more efficient.
This article will explore various tools and firearms parts that should always be within easy reach while you work. Let’s start with some everyday tasks gunsmiths can perform on their guns or the guns of their customers.
What Does A Gunsmith Do?
Gunsmiths are trained to modify, restore, decorate, and fix firearms. They can also build firearms with off-the-shelf components or from custom components they make. Gunsmithing involves a skillful trade. You will need to be skilled in many creative and technical areas, such as metalwork, woodwork gun repair and modification and etching, firearm assembly, disassembly, and safety.
Typical Gunsmithing Tasks Include:
- Cleaning and lubricating guns.
- Repairing guns and replacing damaged components such as firing mechanisms and barrels.
- Adding custom or off-the-shelf parts such as scopes, sights, or stocks.
- Modifying guns in order to accept more parts.
- Use custom etchings and finishes to decorate guns.
Gunsmiths need to not only have practical expertise but also have a good understanding of laws regarding gun manufacture, gunsmithing, and gun ownership. This is both at the local and federal levels. Gunsmiths are compared in Gunsmiths vs. Gun Manufacturers – What’s the Difference?
Essential Tools for Gunsmithing
We’ll look at the tools and equipment that professional gunsmiths need to repair, modify, and do decorative work.
Gunsmith Screwdriver Kit
Gun manufacturers sometimes use specialty screws that you wouldn’t normally find in other areas of the firearms industry. For working with guns, you will need a screwdriver that is specifically made for this purpose. Gunsmith screwdrivers tend to be hollow ground. The bits are concave and not tapered like standard slots screwdrivers. The driver can fit into the slot more comfortably, eliminating slippage that could mar or scratch screws. This is something you will want to avoid when working on firearms for customers.
Files
Gunsmiths often have a growing number of files in a variety of sizes and shapes. They need files that can adapt to different metals, as well as wood or plastics. Files are essential for cleaning, component shaping, breaking off edges of machined parts, and adapting firearms. Metalwork requires several files. For rough work, you’ll need several large files and a variety of mill files. Needle files are needed for fine work. Wide-toothed files can be added to this set for use with plastics or wood.
Pin Punches
Pins are used in firearms manufacturing as fasteners and components. Pins are sometimes used in place of screws to hold guns together.
Depending on the gun you choose, you can expect to find:
- Dowel pins
- Spring Pins
- Taper pins
- Groove pins
- Detent pins
Pin punches will be necessary in order to safely remove or install pins. There are two main types: solid and roll pin punches. Dowel pins, as well as other metal pins, can be used in solid pin punches.
Roll pins include spring pins. Solid pin punches can cause damage to them. The nipple on the end of roll pin punches is a small, extruded part called a nibble. The hollow houses the nipple, which is used to ensure that the pin doesn’t become damaged during fitting or removal.
How does American Gunsmithing Institute help?
The American Gunsmithing Institute, a place where you can learn all about gunsmithing or get certified in the trade, is a great choice. The instructors are skilled and knowledgeable, and the facilities are of high quality. AGI is the place to go if your goal is to be a gunsmith.
