Zmego Posted September 14, 2012 Share Posted September 14, 2012 I have roll pin punches but not a roll pin starter punch and I am having a hell of a time getting the gas tube roll pin started. Any ideas on how I can do it without a roll pin starter? I can always order the starter pins from Brownell's and have then shipped overnight but I would rather save the $80 that will cost me. Any and all ideas are greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.roberts Posted September 14, 2012 Share Posted September 14, 2012 Kind of squeeze one end slightly. Then hold with needlenose pliers while you lightly tap it in with a small hammer to get it started in the hole. Finish up with the punch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmego Posted September 14, 2012 Author Share Posted September 14, 2012 Got it, thanks for the advice. Now onto the forward assist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
392heminut Posted September 14, 2012 Share Posted September 14, 2012 Kind of squeeze one end slightly. Then hold with needlenose pliers while you lightly tap it in with a small hammer to get it started in the hole. Finish up with the punch. Exactly how I've always done it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trivialis Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 If you have a grinder or dremel I usually grind down whichever end I am going to put in first. Don't take too much off. I also use channel lock pliers wraped in electrical and pinch the pin in. It has worked well for me. Think I found that on a guide on arfcom. I seem to be all thumbs when it comes to using punches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braxton1 Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 (edited) I use a hemostat (we used to call them something else in the '70s...) and hold the roll pin in-place while tapping on it with a hammer. Works for me. Edited September 30, 2012 by Braxton1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Griffin Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 Hardest part for me is finding something to support the gas block. I usually chuck the pin into my drill and spin it against a carbide stone for a few seconds to give it a little taper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wgj3 Posted October 27, 2012 Share Posted October 27, 2012 Gently squeezing one end a little tighter and using dremel or other means of removing a little material to create just enough taper to get the pin started has been the way that Ive made it work too. Just gotta be careful toward the end when ur really frustrated and finally get it to start, great time do silly and whack your thumb or beat up the gas block... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zhunter Posted October 27, 2012 Share Posted October 27, 2012 Taper is the way others have said, but all AR builders should have a pair of Knipex adjustable pliers. It is the only way to install roll pins, there is NO hammering Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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