What is the best roll pin punch would you recommend?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What is the best roll pin punch would you recommend?

Posted: 10/23/2016 8:10:05 PM EDT

I bent mine twice when trying to drive out the roll pin in the gas block holding the gas tube.

I hate those cheap tools - total waste of money. I'd rather pay more for quality tools.

Any good roll pin punch would you recommend?

Posted: 10/23/2016 8:16:13 PM EDT

[#1]

Starrett or use a short shank punch to start it.

Posted: 10/23/2016 8:32:16 PM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
Starrett or use a short shank punch to start it.

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Thank you! Looks like these should do the trick

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H407C1O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Posted: 10/23/2016 8:49:02 PM EDT

[#3]

There's a punch set I found on Amazon made by Tekton, it include regular punches, a center punch and a set of roll punches and it comes with a base for them all to sit in. I found it for $50 but is made in the USA and has a lifetime warranty. I've used it to assemble two rifles now and haven't bent any punches.

Posted: 10/23/2016 8:56:09 PM EDT

[#4]

I have used Brownell’s roll pin punch sets for many years.
I use a short shank set driving difficult pins.

Posted: 10/23/2016 9:52:13 PM EDT

[#5]

My Sterrett punches are by far the highest quality punches I've ever used, but they don't make a roll pin punch set as far as I know. I just ordered this set: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H407C1O/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_4?colid=2EUZ2PAG1Y8M6&coliid=IZEFBNQRP4UK1

The short length should prevent them from bending, even if they're a bit soft.

Posted: 10/23/2016 10:18:54 PM EDT

[#6]

Ace Hardware has some good ones reasonable price to

Avoid Harbor Freight

Posted: 10/23/2016 10:38:45 PM EDT

[#7]

Mayhew makes excellent punches.
Also, this set from Brownell's is quite handy with the roll-pin holder punches.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/ar-15-armor-punch-set-prod75010.aspx

Posted: 10/24/2016 5:38:54 AM EDT

[#8]

What are you hitting the punch with? While you're out shopping for new punches, you might consider a lighter hammer, as well.

I have a set of Dasco punches, and another smaller set from unknown maker that I received during an armorer's course. In over a decade of use, I have yet to bend one. I most often use a 2oz hammer. the largest I've ever used for firearms pins is 4oz.

A barrel nut may need to be muscled up to 80 lbs of torque and a barrel extension even more, but small roll pins (and most pins for that matter) take light taps and finesse.

Posted: 10/24/2016 9:00:18 AM EDT

[#9]

When I started my build, time and patience paid off more than expensive tools. While I plan to upgrade before my second build I used a cheap two piece kit, a nail driver of a hammer, and tons of blue painters tape incase I slipped so I wouldn't mess with the finish. I did not use any other tools for the lower but those, except for my kitchen table and an old textbook for support.

Wheeler Pivot Pin Set

If you take your time and are careful you'll put it together like it was a walk in the park.

Posted: 10/24/2016 9:11:21 AM EDT

[#10]

AR 15 roll pins come in only two diameters. For each size, you should get a starter punch and a driver punch. The former has a little pocket at the tip to hold the pin while getting it started, the latter has a little tit on the end so the increased force needed to drive it home won't deform the pin. One extra driving punch is useful to remove a bolt catch pin, its flattened on one side so it can get close to the receiver. All of these are available from Brownells, 5 punches altogether. No need to buy a larger set. - CW

http://www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/pins.html

Posted: 10/24/2016 9:23:30 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have used Brownell’s roll pin punch sets for many years.
I use a short shank set driving difficult pins.

View Quote

This.

Posted: 10/24/2016 11:19:50 AM EDT

[#12]

After bending a Wheeler by looking at it wrong I used one of dad's 40yo Mayhew punches... so I would look there. I see Tractor Supply has them

Posted: 10/24/2016 2:22:45 PM EDT

[#13]

Once I bought starrett, I never looked back, and haven't bent one since.

Grace is junk.

Posted: 10/24/2016 2:43:23 PM EDT

[#14]

I don't understand how you guys bend your punches? I have been using the same punch set for over 30 years and have never had a problem with them, you guys are hard on tools!

Posted: 10/24/2016 2:51:27 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
I don't understand how you guys bend your punches? I have been using the same punch set for over 30 years and have never had a problem with them, you guys are hard on tools!

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It was junk.

Note I did not bend dad's old Mayhew.

Posted: 10/24/2016 4:10:14 PM EDT

[#16]

I like the grace punches when working on lowers. For pinned gas blocks I use a ball peen hammer and a long starret tapered punch.

Posted: 10/24/2016 9:50:01 PM EDT

[#17]

Squirrel daddy punches from Amazon, and a good brass headed hammer

Also my secret is robo grip pliers, they're awesome for pins

Posted: 10/24/2016 10:17:42 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
Squirrel daddy punches from Amazon, and a good brass headed hammer

Also my secret is robo grip pliers, they're awesome for pins

View Quote

How do you use the pliers? To hold the block or the pin?

Posted: 10/24/2016 10:23:46 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
Starrett

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What he said. Pricey but worth it.

Posted: 10/24/2016 11:21:55 PM EDT

[#20]

I have broken a punch of punches. After driving hundreds of roll pins I have developed the needed finesse to not break them anymore.

I think I use a 1/16" Craftsman to drive out gas block roll pins.

I drive gas block roll pins in with an arbor press.

Posted: 10/25/2016 1:22:54 AM EDT

[#21]

My Grace punches have been indestructible with many builds.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What is the best roll pin punch would you recommend?

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