AR forward assist roll pin issue

[markellis]

Just finished up an upper AR build and had an issue with the forward assist roll pin not indexing all the way in the holes. I started the roll pin on the underside of the forward assist (to prevent any marring of the finish). I was using a roll pin starter and the proper roll pin punch. I got the roll pin about 1/2 inch in, and was not able to get the last 1/8 to seat. I tried to extract the pin and it is stuck. I tried to heat up the forward assist with a heat gun to expand the hole(s) and that did not work either. The forward assist is seated and working, but it will be an issue when the roll pin/forward assist ever needs to be changed out. Any ideas?

[mtenenhaus]

perhaps this link might help:

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Roll-Pin#:~:text=%20%20%201%20A%20pin%20punch%20is,and%20keep%20your%20fingers%20away%20from...%20More%20

[markellis]

Thanks for the article mtenenhaus! I'll give them a try. Thanks!

[bohoki]

i only ever had to do it once and i guess i got lucky, i went top to bottom and had an allenwrench stuck out the bottom also the pin was dripping with oil

the only other time i had to deal with roll pins is changing that white gear in a garage door opener

[dad4mnc]

I like these for roll pin placement. Just a gentle squeeze. They will not help get it out, but they make placement easier, especially bolt catch roll pins.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QN83FCB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[sonofeugene]

A slow press, like from a vice, is superior to hammering it in where you risk breaking something.

Also, lube the pin and hole with something like moly paste. It greatly reduces the friction going in but it still stays in place.

I'd remove the pin, lube it and the hole, and then press it, not hammer it, in place.

[mtenenhaus]

sonofeugene.....i'm glad you mentioned that. i must try that, sounds like great advice. not sure why i never thought of that. thanks