Need help with AR build

[Leadingall]

So Ive completed a couple AR lower reciever builds and no matter how hard I try I always seem to bang up the reciever when installing the bolt catch roll pin. I've tried pinching it, using punches and a brass hammer and I cant seem to get the little bastard in there without marring the reciever. I have 3 more lowers and parts kits I'd like to complete. Any advice? If there is anyone in the Santa Clarita Valencia area that has experience or some magic tool to install this component without damaging my lowers I'd be happy to pay you for installing the roll pin for me.

[pterrell]

I like to take a pair of vice grips and put duct tape over them to pad them.

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[yari]

Are you using tape to protect it?

[MmmSti]

Get a roll pin starter and file down one side so it fits flush against the receiver with access to the roll pin hole.

OR.

Get a flat sided roll pin punch from brownless (bolt catch specific) and use a very small amount of tape to tape the roll pin to it. Then start driving it from the muzzle end back with the roll pin punch. With the roll pin punches there is a tiny nipple that sits in the tip of the roll pin. Helps prevent mushrooming Of the pin as well as slippage.

I use the last method I mentioned. Works great. Hope this helps some.

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[Leadingall]

I am using tape, yes. I've read a number of threads that recommend the Brownells punch. I'm gonna order one right now.

[ar15barrels]

I made my own special roll pin holder to start the pin that slides up the punch as I drive the pin in.

[edgerly779]

^^^^ Me too I mad one on lathe roll pin sets inside .0150 works great. With a long shank.

[kcstott]

Yep Roll pins are a pain especially crapy roll pins they put in the parts kits seem to be way over sized.

I cheat, I crimp and file the pin on one side to help get it started. I use a good amount of tape and a modified pin punch as these guys are doing where the pin sit inside the punch. Once it's started it goes with ease. you then also need to find the hole on the bolt catch and lord knows that can be fun.

[ar15barrels]

you then also need to find the hole on the bolt catch and lord knows that can be fun.

After you do a few hundred of them, they are really easy...

[MmmSti]

Yep Roll pins are a pain especially crapy roll pins they put in the parts kits seem to be way over sized.

I cheat, I crimp and file the pin on one side to help get it started. I use a good amount of tape and a modified pin punch as these guys are doing where the pin sit inside the punch. Once it's started it goes with ease. you then also need to find the hole on the bolt catch and lord knows that can be fun.

For that I suggest a slightly undersized punch on the other side. So one side is driving the roll pin in which pushes the punch out, simultaneously lining things up. Works great.

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[toddh]

Buy the lowers that have a THREADED screw where the crappy roll pin goes.

[ar15barrels]

Buy the lowers that have a THREADED screw where the crappy roll pin goes.

Just don't strip out the socket on that pin...
They are no fun to remove.
It's MUCH easier to install/remove a standard roll pin when things do go wrong.

[MmmSti]

Buy the lowers that have a THREADED screw where the crappy roll pin goes.

Yes. I like the lr308 style set screws. Just don't strip the threads or even the set screw socket. Use the right Allen wrench !

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[kcstott]

Buy the lowers that have a THREADED screw where the crappy roll pin goes.

It's seems like a good idea but unfortunately to many have cross threaded or stripped out the socket or the threads. I'd also stay away from the stainless variety of screws here. Loctite need not apply. it will ruin your day. If you really insist on loctite at least be smart about it and us the very low strength purple stuff. It will break loose in the future when needed.

What I need to do is make a little clamp block that will wrap around the lower to hold the pin and mag catch in place at the same time. This would be for the guys that are mechanically disinclined or for those that are mechanically inclined just had a hard night of drinking before the build

[Granite]

For that I suggest a slightly undersized punch on the other side. So one side is driving the roll pin in which pushes the punch out, simultaneously lining things up. Works great.

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I use this and put a a credit card from junk mail offers cause it's thick.