I know there is a similar topic to this but mine I think is slightly different. For school next week I am starting a 1911 80% build. The school sent me a jig and stuff so I’m not really looking for that (which the other topic was about). This is also going to be the first time I have put together a 1911. The school unfortunately often times leaves out required tools but when researching I see so many different 1911 tools I’m not sure which I need and which are nice to have etc. I have already figured out I need a plunger staking tool but what else is essential or if it doesn’t cost too much what is nice to have?
I think my first question would be what do you have already
Do you have a caliper that you can measure with
Do you have files such as a barrel lug file
What kind of kit did they send you
What is the deck height before you even start
This is a basic set and is not a bad investment if you plan to do multiple builds
There are also other tools that are needed that are not included in this kit
Depending on how and what you plan to use and build
@giantspeed I have a good set of digital calipers. I have a set of needle files and a set of diamond needle files. I dont have per say a barrel lug file though. I also have a couple of various sets of arizona stones in various grades for filing and polishing. They sent me a Phantom jig set from stealth arms https://www.stealtharms.net/1911-phantom-jig I don’t know about deck height
The deck height needs to be .350 from the middle of the slide stop hole to the top of the deck
If it’s a stealth frame it should already be decked to the right height
I’d suggest measuring everything before you start
I’d also suggest that you watch some of mosins videos if you have t already
I am here to answer questions if you have them and I’m sure you will
Take some photos of the kit you have and we can go from there
Caliper - to take accurate measurements of both the slide and the frame.
Drill press - since this is a 80% frame and sear and hammer pin holes need to be drilled. Yes, handheld power drill will work but a lot of people mess up the holes (drill out of 90°).
Locking lug file may be needed - if your barrel doesn’t produce a needed amount of locking lug engagement with the slide.
Plunger tube stacking tool (you already have I believe)
Rest kind of depends on what you need to do. For example, do you have to Precision fit a barrel bushing? Then you will need a bushing mandrel. Do you need to cut the bottom lug of the barrel for a precise fit to the slide stop? Then you will need a bottom lug cutter.
Etc.
@Mosinvirus I do have calipers, and I do have a drill press. The plunger tube staking I don’t have but already figured out I will need to get. From reading other posts it sounds like the brownells one is a good one to get. Tomorrow when I get a chance I will take pictures of what they sent me to try and give you a better idea. Thank you for your help.
Sorry, been under the weather the last couple of days. I tried to get clear photos of everything without making a huge mess. Please let me know if you need better photos etc of anything.
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