Tips on removing/upgrading pivot pin

[bonesurf]

Forgive the newbie question and I'm stuck with tapatalk right now so the search function doesn't work real well. I want to "upgrade" my pivot pin on my lower and I am having trouble getting the pin disengaged from the detent. Any suggestions?

[gunnerstuff]

The front pin should have a small hole in it (visible when pulled out). Use a small pin/nail to push the detent and ROTATE the pin. Then slowly pull the pin out. I usually use a small hand towel to hold over it, as the detent will fly far and away.

[bonesurf]

Lw 15 lower. Doesn't have that hole. Just cut the plastic detent and used a metal replacement. All good. Now I know why I like the kns pins that don't use detents

[kcstott]

The M16A2 Tech manual has a list of special tools to use for this stuff. I made a set 22 years ago. it's a 1/16" Alan wrench with the end sharpened like a knife on the inside of the bend on the short side of the wrench.

You use this to get in the groove and hold the detent back. Rotate the pin and it's now captive. Stick a 1/4 pin in from the opposite side and push out your take down pin. the pin will hold the detent in place. Insert new pin pushing out the other pin as you go rotate pin to catch detent in groove and you are done.

[CIV Tactical]

brownells has a front takedown pin detent tool. works great. makes installing and removing the front pin a snap.