Help - AR Build problem :(

[moleculo]

I started my build with the stuff I picked up at Riflegear. And then this happened:





Yes, I was using the proper roll pin punch.

Now what?

[Recession]

Judging by the way the roll pin is flared out, looks like you were using a punch that was too small.

Lock your lower receiver in a vice clamp, get a pair of pliers and tape off the surface of it as not to scratch anything, get a good firm grip on that roll pin, pull like your life depended on it, get a new roll pin and try again.

[moleculo]

Judging by the way the roll pin is flared out, looks like you were using a punch that was too small.

Perhaps, but I was using the 3/32 punch supplied with this kit: http://www.riflegear.com/p-806-rifle...lders-kit.aspx

[Backcountry]

You should have oiled the pin.

[comblock]

Pull it out and get a new one. Maybe ace hardware may have it.

[Noobert]

Pull the pin and start over. You'll have better luck with the next pin

[Noobert]

Check here for pin sizes

http://biggerhammer.net/ar15/pins.html

[NYY]

ur fine dont sweat. mine is a lil bit messed up at the end too but not much. Just get a new one. You learn from mistakes like these!

[Wicked K5]

You should have oiled the pin.

That's what I did on mine. I even went as far as to lightly sand down the leading edge of the roll pins to get them started nice & easy.

[EasyE]

oh god...yeah that was the worst part of installing my lpk. Lots of cursing and a few urges to huck my lower against the wall...

I was using all the wrong tools too. I am not even going to say what I was using... I kind of smashed up the end of the pin a bit but it finally went in flush, and i just took a sharpie to the little bit of exposed metal on the end of the roll pin....

I ended up buying a punch set though.

[tacticalcity]

You tried to HE-MAN it when it wasn't going in instead of figuring out why it wasn't going it.

Not that it would have helped get the pin in straight, but when installing that pin I wrap the lower in a nice thick athletic sock (or two) to help prevent scratches. Works great! I also use an oversized punch on that pin right up until it is all but a hair from all the way in, then I switch to the correct size punch. The small punch causes flairing like you experienced and it causes a ton of slippage which scratches up the lower. Oiling up the pin would have helped it go in easier, but might cause slippage. However, if you wrap up the lower in a thick sock like I suggested you won't have as much to worry about. Patience and caution are your best friend.

Worst case, invest in a touch-up pen.

[cmace22]

Ive always used a pair of channel locks and never had an issue. Hammering cause too much deformation and opens up the chance of an mess see photos above. Channel locks provide a constant and steady pressure to the pin not sharp impacts like a hammer and punch.

[orangeglo]

Pull it out with pliers or punch it out from the opposite side.

Make sure you inspect the hole for damage.

When installing the next one take extra care that ALL holes are aligned. I like using a light hammer and a bunch of light taps. While checking alignment at critical points.

[Nobama4us]

It's ruined, I'll give you $10 for it. Actually if you are in Sacramento area I have all the punches and we can drive out from the other side and start over with a new one.

[gemini1]

Ive always used a pair of channel locks and never had an issue. Hammering cause too much deformation and opens up the chance of an mess see photos above. Channel locks provide a constant and steady pressure to the pin not sharp impacts like a hammer and punch.

^^ This. If you dont have a channel lock you can try a big long nose plier. I used the plier and after the pin went through, lightly tap the pin with a 2" nail (with the head against the pin) to sit it flush.