Help - AR Build problem :(

[bender152]

You're trying to get the roll pin to go in one side, through the bolt catch, and out the other side.

It's possible that the hole for the bolt catch was not aligned and that your roll-pin was basically stuck against it. So you kept trying to hammer, but the roll-pin had no where to go, so it deformed.

To help keep the things aligned, I like to stick a toothpick through one end and then install the roll-pin through the other end.

[Droppin Deuces]

If you value the finish of your gun, do NOT use any pliers with teeth.

This is your boy right here:


Won't leave a mark. Just decrease the spacing by about 1/2 turn each time, and the roll pin will go in perfectly.

You can get them about anywhere, but Harbor Freight sells them for $3(for two).

[Coded-Dude]

nice to know my old framing clamps will come in handy when i build my lower.

[dieselpower]

this is why when I see someone reach for a pin punch I slap their hand. Pin punches are for removal...not installation. I really don't care what the other experts say. The proper installation punch for an AR15 lower is a 6" long 3/8drive socket extension.

but I'm a crazy fool so don't listen to me...

[G38xOC]

it happens

at least your lower is still in good shape .

[lmudave]

looks like you were driving the pin downward into the lower rather than straight through... try the channel locks method, works much better.

[shooterdude]

this is why when I see someone reach for a pin punch I slap their hand. Pin punches are for removal...not installation. I really don't care what the other experts say. The proper installation punch for an AR15 lower is a 6" long 3/8drive socket extension.

but I'm a crazy fool so don't listen to me...

1. Any punch is the wrong tool for the job, the channel locks or vice grips are the way to go as everyone else has mentioned.
2. "I really don't care what the other experts say." Only an ego-maniac gives such bad advice then groups himself with the "experts".
3. "but I'm a crazy fool so don't listen to me" Best advice I have ever seen you give.

[IntoForever]

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.

I used my channel locks like a hammer, worked fine. Seriously though, I ran a nail through the middle of the roll pin so I could keep it lined up straight and used a small finishing hammer to tap it in. Amazing how a part with a value less that $1 can screw up the whole thing.

[B Strong]

You have to use finesse, not BFI (brute force & ignorance.)

Use a set of needlenose and pull the pin and discard.

get correct pin, lube pin and holes(s) Us the correct roll pin punch to get it started, and then (here's my secret...) get a pair of pliers, tape the hell out of the jaws, and use that to press the pin into the BHO.

I've got an old set of pliers taped and in my tool box just for that job, makes it much easier on me, and on the lower.

[Merc1138]

If you value the finish of your gun, do NOT use any pliers with teeth.

This is your boy right here:


Won't leave a mark. Just decrease the spacing by about 1/2 turn each time, and the roll pin will go in perfectly.

You can get them about anywhere, but Harbor Freight sells them for $3(for two).

I actually tried with a pair of those originally on mine, but the damn "feet" on the ends kept pivoting all over the place driving me nuts. A regular pair of vice grips worked fine since only the very ends were in contact with anything. You just need a pair that's big enough.

[LovingTheYear1911]

When I did mine, I hammered the roll pin to make it smaller so it goes in easier. Put it on its side and hammer the side to close the gap a bit where it is separated.

[acaligunner]

Get yourself some needle nose channel lock pliers, then clamp it on to the roll pin, and then hit the pliers with a hammer.

A couple of hits should do it. Your going to need a new roll pin, some spray lube, and a bigger roll pin.

Are you sure you had everything lined up?

acaligunner

[bohoki]

yea next time use an allen wrench to align the parts also i tappy tappy in the pin on one side first before adding the part

[themailman]

1. Any punch is the wrong tool for the job, the channel locks or vice grips are the way to go as everyone else has mentioned.
2. "I really don't care what the other experts say." Only an ego-maniac gives such bad advice then groups himself with the "experts".
3. "but I'm a crazy fool so don't listen to me" Best advice I have ever seen you give.

Watch the attitude. Its getting really annoying.

[E_Shaw90]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=781/Product/ROLL_PIN_HOLDERS

use these....followed by these and that won't happen

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=26482/Product/BROWNELLS_ROLL_PIN_PUNCHES

Pull it out and try it again.....I cant speak to the use of pliars....I have a friend who swears by them....a few ways to accomplish the task...