Help! Failed Detent Mod

[Rukus]

So I finally got around to trying to do the rear takedown detent mod...

As I was threading/tapping the spring hole I managed to drop the lower on the ground which caused the bit to break off inside the lower reciever. There isn't enough of it sticking out to allow me to grab it with pliers or anything (I've tried). Any other ideas? Should I just file it down and buy a set of KNS push button pins instead? Am I wrong or does the detent spring only keep tension on the takedown pin? Its not an essential part of the whole rifle...?

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks

[IMG]

[wikidklown]

Try lots of WD40 or any lubricant. Looks like you can use a pair of long nose channel lock pliers or even a pair of cutters. Spray the WD40 and wiggle the broken tap by twisting it back and forth. When it's slightly moving, start twisting counter-clockwise. Be patient and careful not to shave off the protruding part of the broken tap... good luck it looks doable

[Rukus]

The main problem is that there isnt enough of the bit to grasp onto. The first picture makes it look like the bit sticks out more than it does...I have a pair of needle nose pliers that cant even grab it, I may need to invest in some more tools....

[smokingloon]

is there enough room to dremel a slot so that you can use a screw driver to back it out?

[Rukus]

No there isn't. I read about that solution in regards to a stripped allen head screw...

[chuck762]

Machine shop supply places do sell a broken tap extractor. It has little fingers that go down the flutes so you can back out the broken piece. But it won't work if the tap is bottomed out in the hole solidly as the fingers are very thin.

[ke6guj]

try a broken tap extractor. I've also seen a good welder weld onto the end of the tap and either notch to for a screw driver or weld a bolt on to it. If either of those will work, look for a machine shop that can EDM it out.

If you get it so it doesn't affect the stock, you could run the KNS pins, or IIRC, I've heard that some people have drilled a new detent pin hole up from the grip.

[Rukus]

Yeah im thinking the KNS pins are gonna be the easiest solution.

[alexander]

http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd100329

... lock onto that sucker ... or just get the KNS pins.

[ar15barrels]

haha, fail.
If you bought the kit from a guy, complain to the guy you bought it from.

[ke6guj]

Randall, why would he complain to the guy he bought it from if he broke it by dropping the receiver and snapping off the protruding portion of the tap?

[ar15barrels]

Randall, why would he complain to the guy he bought it from if he broke it by dropping the receiver and snapping off the protruding portion of the tap?

Have you seen the ads those guys post?
"The job is so easy anyone can do it."

Turns out, maybe anyone can't do it...

[joelukehart]

Get a small centerpunch and hammer, spray some WD-40 in the hole and lightly hit it counter clockwise. If that doesn"t work I'd say EDM.

[wash]

I read the old locked thread about this mod and I've seen new threads with broken taps twice.

It the original thread there seems to be some resistance to the mod because some people think that it's wrong to need another tool (hex key) to disassemble an AR.

This creates a few questions for me:

#1. Why would anyone need to remove the rear takedown pin or rear takedown pin detent?

#2. No one is recommending locktite on the set screw. Would even a little dab cause problems later?

#3. Why aren't people using thread forming taps instead of a cut tap? With such a small size that would seem to make sense.

If someone did want to use a thread forming tap it would be pretty simple, just get a #38 reamer and open up the hole to the depth you want to tap, then use plenty of lube to roll the threads in one shot.

[Eroland7]

I did this on mine too. I was able to take a super small punch and an ice pick and a hammer and break it into small pieces until it just crumbled into little pieces and was able to be pushed out the other side... dont try to drill it out...