Bolt stop roll pin

G

Geezerbiker

New member
Is there a trick to installing this pin without marring the lower receiver? I managed to get it installed on my first lower receiver but I put 3 tiny scuffs in the finish.

I'm planning to leave the other receiver in the package until I've finished the first rifle but I'd like to know well before I start the next one...

Tony
 
F

FrankenMauser

New member
A long punch. ...Or suitable substitute. I often use a roll pin starter punch to hold the (greased and deburred) pin, with a standard punch stuck in the opposite end of the starter punch.
Once the pin is in far enough to set the bolt catch, I switch to a 10" x 1/8" punch and drive it home.

I did my first one with the redneck method of electrical tape on large vise grip pliers. It worked, but seemed hokey and risky.
 
E

ed308

New member
Use tape to protect the lower on both sides. It's almost impossible not to mar the lower when trying to hammer in the pen. Many lower now come with a small allen screw instead of a roll pin. Much easier installation.
 
G

Geezerbiker

New member
Cheapshooter said:
Wheeler Engineering Bolt Catch Install Tool Kit
Flat sided, and rubber overmolded.
https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-7109...053&sr=8-2&keywords=bolt+catch+roll+pin+punch
Click to expand...
That's it. I'll get one before I start my next build... I ended up holding the pin with a needle-nose pliers and tapping it in to start with a small wood mallet. Once I got to that point I finished with a steel pin punch.

I can see how putting down a layer of tape over the surface to catch stray bumps and abrasions would be worth doing...

Tony
 
M

Mobuck

Moderator
FWIW
There's a BIG diff between "roll pins" and "spring pins". Most of the pins in the LPK on the market are "spring pins" and may be tough to install. An actual "roll pin" is made of thin spring steel "rolled" into pin form and is far easier to install, remove, and plenty strong enough for the applications.

Using a couple of strips of electricians tape on the side of the lower is good insurance. If your "hammer skills" are lacking, make sure you also protect the back of the receiver where the buffer tube screws in.
 
M

Mobuck

Moderator
"Yoe Mobuck, I thought the two names were the same pin. What is the difference? Do you have pictures?"

I don't do "pics".
Seen end on, a spring pin looks like an almost closed C. A real "roll pin" looks like a spiral.
 
S

stagpanther

New member
Chicks dig scars.:D

I get about half of them in without a mark--and the other half maybe a small scuff. It's nothing compared to what's going to happen to the gun once I start shooting it or jamming it into the safe. I don't resell or put my guns on display, so I don't really care. ;)
 
M

Mobuck

Moderator
In the world of self retaining pins a spring pin has much more shear strength BUT is far more difficult to install/remove. Considering the actual shear strength required for an AR bolt catch, forward assist, gas tube, or trigger guard, a "roll(ed) pin" is sufficient and is easier to install/remove.
 
B

brasscollector

New member
After doing a few the sketchy way (even with tape) I purchased a KAK bolt catch install tool (walt's tool). It was like seven or eight bucks from primary so I tacked it on an order. It makes that task a lot easier although I still apply a few layers of masking tape.
 
G

Geezerbiker

New member
The website I went to for assembly instructions was pretty good except for using pliers to squeeze in the roll pin. I taped up the pliers but still had no luck getting the pin in. This is the point where I made the 2 tiny marks in the black phosphate.

Later I held the pin in alignment with needle nose pliers and got the pin started with a small wooden mallet. I tapped it home with a pin punch but I got a slight rub mark from the side of the punch.

I was a motorcycle mechanic for way too many years and I'm pretty good a putting things together. I like the idea of a tiny Alan head screw for the bolt stop but I don't see a way to do the work so next time, I'll at least have the right tool for the job and the experience from doing it once the hard way...

Tony
 
M

Mobuck

Moderator
My Son-in-Law has an AR pin pusher. No idea how many pins are scattered in/under/around his work area because the pin popped out while starting.
I use a pair of small needle nose ViseGrips to hold and slightly compress the spring pins until they're started. This isn't for everyone as it often requires 3 hands or being really handy with your hammer.
 
S

sevt_chevelle

New member
I use a pair of knipex pliers wrench. Start the pin then use pliers to press the pin in place. Place tape on the jaws and you will have a mar free finish.


86-03-150-knipex-plier-wrench.jpg
 
B

berettaprofessor

New member
I put tape down on the lower, start the pin with a roll punch and mallet, and then use a padded set of channel lock pliers to push it in. Works like a charm.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top