Basic tool set

[Sick_Boy]

I have a "spare" 1911 that I would love to start doing some modifications to myself. What would be the basic tools that I would need to start working on it myself if I were to put a new hammer on, a MSH, a BTS, and other such odds and ends?

[c7aea]

I am starting my 1911 soon. Here is a list of most of the tools I have begun acquiring.

Jerry Kuhnhausen Volume 1 and 2
Pin gauge set
Micrometer
Dial caliper
Brass Punch set
Set of small files
Armorers block
Vice soft jaws
Ceramic stone set
Various grits of sand paper from 220-1200
Dykem
Feeler guages
Trigger pull Gauge
Set of jewelers loupes
Dremel polish set

If you are looking to do hammer and sear work you should look at jigs for them. I have a Wilson Combat A-2 sear and Ultralight hammer. And upon close inspection they look like they are cut very well. I am going to hold out on buying a hammer and sear jig until I get the pieces in the frame and see how good (or not so good) they really are.
Also reading a lot! lots and lots of reading!

[ClarkEMyers]

Look at the Brownell's catalog including their 1911 specialty catalog - the contents of the various kits are a good guide and the kits can be a bargain. For maintenance Hilton Yam has a lot of useful information, a guide to tools with references to the Brownell catalog and a few special tools by Yam also offered by Brownells. Of course tools can be had from many others including vendors from Midway to Jules Borel.

[Sick_Boy]

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it

[michaelgee]

Originally Posted by c7aea

I am starting my 1911 soon. Here is a list of most of the tools I have begun acquiring.

Jerry Kuhnhausen Volume 1 and 2
Pin gauge set
Micrometer
Dial caliper
Brass Punch set
Set of small files
Armorers block
Vice soft jaws
Ceramic stone set
Various grits of sand paper from 220-1200
Dykem
Feeler guages
Trigger pull Gauge
Set of jewelers loupes
Dremel polish set

If you are looking to do hammer and sear work you should look at jigs for them. I have a Wilson Combat A-2 sear and Ultralight hammer. And upon close inspection they look like they are cut very well. I am going to hold out on buying a hammer and sear jig until I get the pieces in the frame and see how good (or not so good) they really are.
Also reading a lot! lots and lots of reading!

Small brass hammer or a plastic & brass tipped hammer -2nd is best if you can find it.

Good ( as in new condition ) allen wrenches, never use old worn or twisted allen wrenches on a hand gun, the wear damage transfers from a worn tool onto your gun easily.

A $60.00 frame holding jig is best to keep the gun from being damaged while you work on the gun.

[straid]

Originally Posted by c7aea

I am starting my 1911 soon. Here is a list of most of the tools I have begun acquiring.

Feeler guages

Interesting that this came up when it did. I went out shopping for tools for this very purpose and when I got to this I didn't know what sizes to get. So, what sizes will be needed for building a 1911?

Also, maybe you can shed light on what kind of tap handle to get.

[c7aea]

Originally Posted by straid

Interesting that this came up when it did. I went out shopping for tools for this very purpose and when I got to this I didn't know what sizes to get. So, what sizes will be needed for building a 1911?

Also, maybe you can shed light on what kind of tap handle to get.

This is the set I got. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/164...ness-gage-inch Seems good to me, it has a very useful range. As for a tap handle, I personally would probably just get the cheapest one that works. Stick with high quality taps though.

[straid]

Originally Posted by c7aea

This is the set I got. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/164...ness-gage-inch Seems good to me, it has a very useful range. As for a tap handle, I personally would probably just get the cheapest one that works. Stick with high quality taps though.

Not to take over the thread, but since it bears with the original request, what taps do you suggest? What are they used for?

[c7aea]

Originally Posted by straid

Not to take over the thread, but since it bears with the original request, what taps do you suggest? What are they used for?

I think snap-on makes nice, reasonable sets. Craftsman also seems good, especially if your easy on them, like just chasing threads. Maybe someone else can recommend taps for more serious use.
Are you asking why taps are used in building a 1911? Your the one that asked about a handle…. You can need a handle for a finish reamer. Or if you do strip out the grip screw bushing thread you can fix it with a larger tap.