Beginner Tool Kit

[Danko]

Greetings, I'm seeking help in selecting a brand of tool kit that would be appropriate for a beginner? I only own handguns, all semi-auto, and will be purchasing a Springfield 1911 Mil Spec in April. I don't yet have any gun work experience, but own two pretty good books on the 1911. I came across the Fix It Stick sets easy enough, but I doubt I need so many tools at that expense. Can someone recommend a decent, small set in the 50-100 dollar range that would be suitable for work on a 1911? Are there such kits, or am I dreaming?

I would appreciate any and all responses. Thank you!

[PNWTO]

Real Avid has some good basic-ass tools that cover the bases.

https://www.realavid.com/product-cat...gun-type/1911/

10-8 may be more “spartan” but definitely good enough for the casual user.

www.10-8performance.com

The 10-8 tool, block, and a SAK are honestly what I use most.

[Chuck Whitlock]

Danko,

At this stage of the game, you don't need to go beyond these:

https://wilsoncombat.com/cleaning-kit-handgun.html

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007360766?pid=297593

Those will let you do everything you need to do until you learn more.

[Lost River]

Danko,

A few basic tips.

Do not go out and buy expensive gun oils and lubricants. You are just blowing money. Go to the auto parts store. Grab a quart of automatic transmission fluid (ATF), and 1 or maybe 2 quarts of motor oil. The reason I say 1 or 2 quarts is if you intend to shoot in sub zero temps, you will want different oils. Here is the deal.

The ATF is what you use to clean your guns with.
The motor oil is what you use to lubricate your guns with.
For most of the time, pretty much any standard 10w-40, or any regular weight motor oil will be just fine.
For sub zero temps, strip the old oil off, and very lightly lube your firearm with 0-w20. This will aid in making sure your firearms runs in extreme cold conditions.

One quart should last you years:



Also, get some clear fingernail polish hardener, like this:



Screws on guns like to back out. Just a dab on fingernail polish hardener will help prevent that. They can be grip screws on a 1911, screws on revolver side plates, or cylinder release latch piece:




screws from scope rings, lever actions, you name it. There are lots of applications.



Hope that helps.

[RJ]

@Danko I was very new to 1911s when I bought my Garrison 18 months ago. I have not been shooting them for years like a lot of folks here, so I had to learn what was useful on my own. Here are a few things I picked up, in no particular order:

$20 - A mainspring housing tool from Brownell's. This tool is just the right shape to drive out the mainspring housing pin.

https://www.brownells.com/tools-clea...sing-pin-tool/

$5 - This small double ended brass hammer from Harbor Freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/double...=&gad_source=1

$18 - Maglula 1911 insert. This goes on the mouth of the standard Maglula loader, and lets you use it for single stack 1911 mags. Maybe not absolutely necessary, but it makes trips to the range easier.

https://www.maglula.com/product/1911ai/

$30 - Challis bushing removal tool. This thing is the bomb; makes removing grip screw bushings a breeze. Very useful if you are going to fiddle with grips and grip screw bushings (and everybody does).

https://www.challisgrips.com/p/49-Fu...Extractor.aspx

$10 - 10 8 Armorer Tool. This is just a plastic stick but it's shape makes it very useful for poking and prodding.

https://www.egwguns.com/10-8-performance-armorer-tool

$4 - A polymer bushing wrench. I bought a couple of these by Wilson, but any polymer wrench will work:

https://wilsoncombat.com/barrel-wren...e-polymer.html

$2 - A white Delrin rod, 5" long by 3/8" diameter. I bought mine on eBay. I use it to knock the main spring housing pin in, but it also makes a great desktop fidget spinner. There are lots of suppliers of these industrial rods, you can get them in various lengths.

https://www.google.com/search?client...lrin+rod+3%2F8

Lastly, and I dunno if you want to get into the gun this much, but I never could remember the order to take it apart and put it back together. So I made up some cards to help me with the steps for disassembly and reassembly.

[Danko]

I thank you all for the many fine tool suggestions and tips. As you all know, there is an overwhelming number of tools and tips on the internet regarding the 1911, making it difficult to know how and where to start. You guys have eliminated much of the guesswork and provided me a solid start. Once I gain some experience, I'll get and idea of what other items I may need to acquire. Today is another great day in my new 1911 world!

I'll be going to Harbor Freight later today to pick up the suggested items along with a small gun tool box. One thing about Harbor Freight, every time I visit I buy a few items I didn't intend to buy because everything is so inexpensive and know I will need them at some point.

[RJ]

Harbor Freight...mmmm...


Denim Apron - I didn't even know they had these, and stumbled on it one day. I use this when cleaning, drilling, whatever. It keeps my Tuxedo clean , especially at $5.99:

https://www.harborfreight.com/denim-..._psugg_q=apron


Mini Pick and Hook Set - I use these to tease out O-Rings, or hook things that need capturing fairly often. At $1.99, this is the cheapest item on the list:

https://www.harborfreight.com/mini-p...ugg_q=pick+set


4" Digital Caliper - Decent option for a low-end caliper. Ok, it's not a Starrett or Mitutoyo, but does the job, for under $20:

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-in-d...per-63710.html

[Robinson]

I highly recommend a set of hollow-ground screwdrivers, sometimes called gunsmithing screwdrivers. You are much less likely to strip screw heads (such as those on 1911 grip screws) with a hollow-ground screwdriver of appropriate size than you are with a typical tapered-head screwdriver.

[DDTSGM]

I highly recommend a set of hollow-ground screwdrivers, sometimes called gunsmithing screwdrivers. You are much less likely to strip screw heads (such as those on 1911 grip screws) with a hollow-ground screwdriver of appropriate size than you are with a typical tapered-head screwdriver.

I agree. Long ago I started using the Brownell's Magna Tip Bits. They are hollow ground and it's less expensive to buy a new tip than it is to buy a new screwdriver.

https://www.brownells.com/tools-clea...gna-tip~-sets/

They also make a 1911 specific set: https://feeds.brownells.com/gunsmith...prod25472.aspx

Edited to keep it simple.