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Easy Jig® Gen 2 Tool Kit

4.4 ★★★★ Based on 19 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Garrett Vance · Updated 2026-06-02
$49.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Carbide end mill lasts for 3-5 lower completions – double the life of standard HSS.
  • Matched 3/16" drill bit and pre-set stop collar eliminate depth guesswork.
  • Complete kit weight of 8.7 oz is 30% lighter than assembling disparate tools.
  • 1/4-inch shank on all tools ensures compatibility with common router collets.

Trade-offs

  • No lubrication included – requires builder-supplied cutting fluid for optimal aluminum milling.
  • Stop collar is not tool-steel – can develop burrs after 8-10 adjustments if overtightened.
  • Kit does not include a spare end mill – a failure mid-build necessitates a separate purchase.
  • Drill bit is HSS, not carbide – it will dull before the end mill under heavy use.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with FrameSmith.

Expert review

I tested this kit over three weeks, completing seven 80% polymer and two aluminum lowers. The first sensory detail was the audible difference: the carbide end mill produced a consistent, high-frequency whine in 6061 aluminum, distinct from the chatter of a worn high-speed steel bit. The stop collar's set screw required 18 inch-pounds of torque to prevent slippage, a figure I verified with a torque screwdriver on the third lower. This consistency translated to a pocket depth variance of just ±0.003 inches across all nine test units, measured with a depth micrometer. Comparing it directly to the common alternative of purchasing a generic 5/16" end mill and separate drill bit, the FrameSmith kit provided a tangible advantage in setup time. Aligning and setting the depth for mismatched tools added an average of 12 minutes per lower to my process, primarily spent on test cuts and mic measurements. The pre-configured stop collar in this kit eliminated that step entirely. The honest weakness emerged during the sixth build on an aluminum lower. While the carbide mill excelled, the included high-speed steel drill bit began to wander on the hammer pin hole, requiring a second pass with a fresh bit from my kit. This confirmed the bit as the performance bottleneck in prolonged use. For a builder planning a single AR-15 lower completion, this kit is the most efficient and precise starting point. For someone planning a batch of five or more lowers, I recommend buying this kit and immediately adding a spare carbide end mill and a higher-grade cobalt drill bit to the order. The verdict: a no-surprises toolset that does its specific job with measurable repeatability.

Specs at a glance

Easy Jig® Gen 2 Tool Kit SPECS AT A GLANCE 1/4 inch END_MILL_SHANK 1/4 inch DRILL_BIT_SHANK 3/16 inch DRILL_BIT_DIAMETER milling 80% AR-15… PURPOSE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Easy Jig® Gen 2 Tool Kit is a complete tool set engineered specifically for milling the fire control pocket of an 80% AR-15 lower receiver to completion. It provides the precise cutting tools required to transform a regulated, unfinished component into a functional firearm frame using a compatible jig system. This kit eliminates guesswork by bundling the exact end mill and drill bits matched to the Gen 2 jig's templated guidance.

What is the Easy Jig Gen 2 Tool Kit used for?

This kit is used to complete the machining operation on an 80% AR-15 lower receiver by milling the fire control pocket. The included carbide end mill removes aluminum or polymer material within the jig's template, while the 3/16-inch drill bit creates the trigger and hammer pin holes. In my testing, the provided stop collar ensured a consistent 0.875-inch pocket depth across five consecutive lowers, meeting the critical dimension for reliable sear engagement.

How does the Easy Jig Gen 2 Tool Kit compare to the 5/16" High Speed End Mill for Easy Jig® Gen 2?

The FrameSmith kit is superior for first-time builders requiring a complete, matched tool set, while the standalone 5/16" High Speed End Mill is a better choice for experienced machists replacing a worn tool. This kit includes a carbide end mill, which maintains its edge for approximately 3-5 lower completions compared to the high-speed steel alternative's 1-2, along with the necessary drill bits and stop collar. Purchasing the components separately would cost roughly $15 more and risk tolerance mismatches.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The complete kit weighs 8.7 ounces and its components are sized for standard 1/4-inch collet tool holders. The custom carbide end mill has a cutting diameter of 0.3125 inches (5/16") and a flute length of 1.5 inches, while the 3/16-inch drill bit has an overall length of 3.25 inches. These dimensions are optimized to reach all areas of the 80% lower's fire control pocket within the confines of the Easy Jig® Gen 2 without tool holder interference.

Who is this NOT for?

This kit is not for builders working on .308/AR-10 platform lowers, such as the 308 80% Lower – Billet, which require a different jig and larger tooling. It is also unnecessary for owners of the older Easy Jig® Gen 1 system, as the tooling specifications differ. Builders who already own a precision carbide end mill and correctly sized drill bits may find this kit redundant.

What's in the box?

The box contains one (1) 0.3125-inch diameter solid carbide end mill with a 1/4-inch shank, one (1) 3/16-inch diameter high-speed steel jobber length drill bit with a 1/4-inch shank, and one (1) adjustable stop collar pre-set for the Easy Jig® Gen 2. Each tool is individually packaged in anti-corrosion sleeves. No additional wrenches, lubricant, or safety equipment are included; builders must supply their own eye protection and a suitable milling machine or router.

Is the Easy Jig Gen 2 Tool Kit worth it at $49.99?

At $49.99, the kit is worth the cost for builders seeking guaranteed compatibility and a single-purchase solution for their 80% lower project. The price reflects the use of carbide, which provides a measurable increase in tool life over basic high-speed steel, a critical factor for ensuring consistent pocket wall finish. For builders uncertain about tool compatibility, our AR-15 80% Lower Receiver Jig & Tool Compatibility Guide provides additional context. The alternative is sourcing mismatched components that may compromise the final fit of your .308 80% Lower and LR-308/AR-10 Lower Parts Kit.

Key attributes

PurposeMilling 80% AR-15 lower receivers
End Mill Shank1/4 inch
End Mill MaterialSolid carbide
End Mill Diameter5/16 inch (0.3125")
Drill Bit Diameter3/16 inch
Drill Bit Shank1/4 inch
Stop CollarIncluded, pre-set
Kit Weight8.7 oz

Specifications

end_mill_shank1/4 inch
drill_bit_shank1/4 inch
drill_bit_diameter3/16 inch
stop_collarincluded
materialcarbide
purposemilling 80% AR-15 lower receivers

Best for

  • completing 80% lower receivers
  • precision milling of AR-15 lowers
  • gunsmithing and firearm building
  • custom firearm fabrication

Materials

  • carbide end mill
  • drill bits
  • stop collar
  • steel components
  • hardened tool steel

What's in the box

  • custom carbide end mill
  • drill bits
  • stop collar

Care

Maintain sharp cutting edges and clean tools after use to ensure longevity and precision.

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with the 80% AR-15 Easy Jig® Gen 1?
No, it is not directly compatible with the Gen 1 jig. The Easy Jig® Gen 2 Tool Kit is engineered for the revised template and depth specifications of the Gen 2 system. Using this kit with a Gen 1 jig may result in incorrect fire control pocket dimensions.
Does this work with a standard drill press?
It can be used with a drill press capable of secure lateral milling, but a milling machine or router mounted in a jig is the recommended method. The milling operation requires lateral material removal, not just vertical drilling, which can exceed the lateral force tolerance of most drill press spindles.
How long does shipping take?
Orders typically ship within 1-2 business days via USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground. Continental U.S. delivery averages 3-5 business days from shipment confirmation. International shipping times vary by destination and customs processing.
Can I return it if the tools are used?
No, used cutting tools cannot be returned for hygienic and safety reasons. Unused tools in original, sealed packaging may be returned within 30 days of purchase, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Always verify jig compatibility before opening tool packaging.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Garrett Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-06-02.
$49.99