Special tools, tips, secrets install an LPK into AR lower

[problemchild]

I always seem to nick or scratch something doing these kits. Is there a write up or special tools you guys use?

[Baconator]

electrical tape around the tools.

[wash]

Use a security torx bit, T25 I think to start the bolt hold open roll pin.

You can get one in a 9.99 hex bit assortment from Harbor Freight and other sources.

My lower receiver assembly tools consist of that assortment and two magnetic hex bit screwdriver hammers. The hammering that you need to do never requires more than hitting one screwdriver hammer on the other.

You do not need electrical tape to avoid scratches.

Optional but nice are pliers to squeeze one end of the roll pins to make them easier to start and a dremel tool. The dremel should only be used to chuck up the detent pins so that you can polish the ends with some medium to fine grit sandpaper. That will make it easier to pop out the takedown pins which I prefer.

You can also take some time to deburr the edges of the disconnector and very carefully on the hammer and trigger. You don't want to change any angles, just get rid of any burrs left over from the manufacturing process. That may remove some grittieness from the trigger and just keep some metal debris out of the lower.

[nokarma]

Roll pin holders.
Use the correct tool for the job.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=781/sku=080-685-000/Product/Roll-Pin-Holders-Set

[GMG]

Electrical tape is your friend

I tape the area around the bolt hold open boss, I also tape the jaws of a pair of pliers. I use the pliers to squeeze the bolt hold open roll pin into place.

[baih777]

when you install the roll pin for the bolt release on the side i put three layers of blue painters tape on the side. the full length.

and then you need the secret marking pen.

http://www.riflegear.com/p-266-birchwood-casey-super-black-touch-up-pen-matte.aspx

use a small block of wood under the trigger area when you put the guard on.

place a doubled up towel on the workbench to protect the finish.

[kcstott]

You can also get the Tech manual ion the M16A2 and it has a whole list of special tools and how to make them.
I have made the following tools for the AR15 platform.
Detent spring and plunger installation tool.
Detent spring and plunger removal tool.
Front sight adjustment tool
Front sight plunger retainer tool
Front take down go, no go gage.

[RP1911]

I use a valve feeler gauge to hold the pivot pin spring and detent before I slide the front pivot pin in place.

[CAHighSierra]

Blue painters tape.

[bigcalidave]

I like scratches... I think guns should be messy and look well used. First thing I did with my AK was throw it at a pile of rocks

[goldfinger]

Painter's tape and plastic hammer for me

[problemchild]

False alarm. I got a Mega ambi lower and it uses all screws no roll pins. They should all be this easy.

[Lostsheep]

Am I the only one who uses a vise to press in the bolt catch roll pin? Works great and there is no hammer swinging or pliers. Granted, I do have a Kurt

[justjeff]

I used a delren punch with a hole drilled in it for the pivot pin detent. Lazy people cut the spring. Also invest in roll pin punches if you're going to be doing multiple lowers! I help assemble them everyday. It's also good if you're novice to have a diagram handy for the trigger parts.


Don't confuse the bho spring w/ the disconnecter spring see it all the time.

[savs2k]

Yeah buy a quientin lower. No roll pins. But besides for that rollpin punch.