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Posted: 7/27/2013 3:32:14 AM EDT
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Anyone have an idiot proof method to instal the bolt catch parts on a new lower? Last night i managed to snap the pin in half while trying with a set of needlenose pliers(covered in duct tape to protect reciever coating, which of course i managed to scratch when cracking the pin), the pin bent in half and snapped...
now i'm hunting around for a new pin, but none of my local shops carries anything, i will get one but need a few tips.. i cannot get the search function to work on this site so i apologize if this is repetitious. |
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This will show you the correct way to do the job but you'll need the right tools as well. The tools are worth buying.
http://www.itstactical.com/firearms/diy-ar-15-build-bolt-catch-installation/ |
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what I do is crush the end of the pin SLIGHTLY so starting it is easier. I tape the receiver with 2 layers of vinyl, and use vise grips with vinyl wrapped around the jaws. I then vise grip the pin in a little at a time, tightening the vise grips about 1/4-1/2 turn each time until the pin is in. I haven't scratched a receiver yet.
.........I know the whole "right tool for the job" thing, but this way works best for me. no worries about missing with a hammer or the punch slipping and gouging the receiver. I personally feel I have way more control with vise grips. |
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Quoted:
what I do is crush the end of the pin SLIGHTLY so starting it is easier. I tape the receiver with 2 layers of vinyl, and use vise grips with vinyl wrapped around the jaws. I then vise grip the pin in a little at a time, tightening the vise grips about 1/4-1/2 turn each time until the pin is in. I haven't scratched a receiver yet. .........I know the whole "right tool for the job" thing, but this way works best for me. no worries about missing with a hammer or the punch slipping and gouging the receiver. I personally feel I have way more control with vise grips. I also used the vice grip method...taped the jaws and the receiver. The pin slid right in. Just make sure when squeezing the grips, that you have the pin going straight in |
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Quoted:
Anyone have an idiot proof method to instal the bolt catch parts on a new lower? Last night i managed to snap the pin in half while trying with a set of needlenose pliers(covered in duct tape to protect reciever coating, which of course i managed to scratch when cracking the pin), the pin bent in half and snapped... now i'm hunting around for a new pin, but none of my local shops carries anything, i will get one but need a few tips.. i cannot get the search function to work on this site so i apologize if this is repetitious. See Section 7... http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11004/guntechdetail/ Roll Pin Holder (starter) Special Shaved Bolt Catch RP Punch Mag Well Block (I lay the receiver on a shop rag and drive from the muzzle end) Drill Bit Painter's Blue Tape Duct Tape Tape up with blue tape first, then duct tape (blue tape releases better, duct tape gives more protection) Then install spring, plunger and catch Take a drill bit of the CORRECT diameter and use the SHANK as a temporary (slave) pin Now you can CHECK FUNCTION of the bolt catch before driving the RP With the drill bit shank facing the muzzle end, pull it back towards buttstock end just so there's room to start the pin Now lightly tape with blue tape the drill bit to the receiver....the drill bit (slave pin) will keep everything aligned After verifying correct RP diameter with your calipers, put a small bit of grease at the RP hole Drive the roll pin...the RP will chase the drill bit out..... Congralutions, you have successfully driven the Bolt Catch Roll Pin ! |
| it helps if you polish all of the pins that are press fits with some fine grit emery cloth then put a light coating of oil on them. when polishing the pin you can put a small chamfer on one end to help. I've done it this way several times and never had a problem |
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speaker wire
Strip an inch of speaker wire. Jam the roll pin in the insulation Jam the roll punch in the other side of the insulation Drive the roll pin until it catches Use a razor blade to slice the insulation in half - lengthwise and peal off the pin/punch Finish driving ALWAYS lay duct tape or something on the lower when using hammer/punch C |
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Here is one of the better tutorials I've seen.
Thanks to CTD Notice the roll pin punch has a nipple on it, this is key to driving roll pins. Get the proper tools and things will go smooth. http://cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=30085/ |
I've done two with a small vice grips. I used AF 100mph tape (better than the army 90mph tape  ) on the receiver and vice grips jaws.
I set the vice grip for little movements, tightened a little and squeeze again, repeat until seated. Then used a punch to set the pin below flush. |
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Quoted:
Anyone have an idiot proof method to instal the bolt catch parts on a new lower? Last night i managed to snap the pin in half while trying with a set of needlenose pliers(covered in duct tape to protect reciever coating, which of course i managed to scratch when cracking the pin), the pin bent in half and snapped... now i'm hunting around for a new pin, but none of my local shops carries anything, i will get one but need a few tips.. i cannot get the search function to work on this site so i apologize if this is repetitious. Send me an IM with your address and I will send you a couple of new bolt catch roll pins that are much nicer than the ones that usually come in Lower Parts Kits....free of charge!!
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Quoted:
what I do is crush the end of the pin SLIGHTLY so starting it is easier. I tape the receiver with 2 layers of vinyl, and use vise grips with vinyl wrapped around the jaws. I then vise grip the pin in a little at a time, tightening the vise grips about 1/4-1/2 turn each time until the pin is in. I haven't scratched a receiver yet. .........I know the whole "right tool for the job" thing, but this way works best for me. no worries about missing with a hammer or the punch slipping and gouging the receiver. I personally feel I have way more control with vise grips. This is how I do it also. This is how I do all of my pins actually. Then I will tap them in the last little bit with a punch and hammer if needed. |
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Quoted:
Anyone have an idiot proof method to instal the bolt catch parts on a new lower? Last night i managed to snap the pin in half while trying with a set of needlenose pliers(covered in duct tape to protect reciever coating, which of course i managed to scratch when cracking the pin), the pin bent in half and snapped... now i'm hunting around for a new pin, but none of my local shops carries anything, i will get one but need a few tips.. i cannot get the search function to work on this site so i apologize if this is repetitious. Buy a pair of Knipex pliers. Best investment ever for AR assembly. Some one on here recommended them can't remember who,but thank you. |
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