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Posted: 10/1/2016 6:47:38 PM EDT
| I,ve put together a couple of lowers with no problems, but the bolt catch is giving me fits on this one. The roll pin went through the first boss and stuck, it isn't protruding into the space where the bolt catch would go, but I can't get it to go any farther. I've tried putting a small roll pin punch in from the other side but still can't get it to move. Any suggestions would be appreciated. |
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Go with a small punch from the opposite side. The pin is jammed up or down in the hole. It may have bent. You can try pivoting it. A needle may also work. You have to move it up toward center to get it out. Tapping on it will only make it seat deeper.
In my opinion, this is the hardest part of AR builds. You can use an Allen wrench to secure the catch and the pin pushes the Allen out of the way. I found that to be the easiest way. |
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Quoted:
Go with a small punch from the opposite side. The pin is jammed up or down in the hole. It may have bent. You can try pivoting it. A needle may also work. You have to move it up toward center to get it out. Tapping on it will only make it seat deeper. In my opinion, this is the hardest part of AR builds. You can use an Allen wrench to secure the catch and the pin pushes the Allen out of the way. I found that to be the easiest way. This is the best method I have tried. |
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Brownells sells a special roll pin punch for removing a pin from the bolt catch bosses. Its flattened on one side so it can be positions squarely to the holes involved. I suggest you order one before proceeding. Once the old pin has been removed, use the proper sized starter and driver punches (also sold by Brownells) to drive a new pin home. Don't despair, roll pins are the crux move of building an AR. Everyone has trouble with them, the pin fixing the gas tube being the most difficult. good luck - CW
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/bolt-tools/dissassembly-tools/bolt-catch-pin-punch-prod26484.aspx |
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Quoted:
Brownells sells a special roll pin punch for removing a pin from the bolt catch bosses. Its flattened on one side so it can be positions squarely to the holes involved. I suggest you order one before proceeding. Once the old pin has been removed, use the proper sized starter and driver punches (also sold by Brownells) to drive a new pin home. Don't despair, roll pins are the crux move of building an AR. Everyone has trouble with them, the pin fixing the gas tube being the most difficult. good luck - CW http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/bolt-tools/dissassembly-tools/bolt-catch-pin-punch-prod26484.aspx Yes. Remove it and start over with a new roll pin. |
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I actually prefer this tool, it makes that job a snap, I have never had a single issue with the pin after ordering the tool below.
https://www.kakindustry.com/walts-tool As far as you current issue, in my numerous builds, I have had similiar problems occasionally. The last time I broke 3 3/32 punches trying to back the pin out it was stuck, tried heating it, didn't work, tried real penetraing oil (not WD40) didn't work. I finally got it to move forward so I used a dremel to cut it part, section by section as I pounded it with a big hammer into the bolt catch slot. |
| Thanks for all the responses. I tried the heat and penetrating oil with no result. I used taped up pliers and broke the pin off. I stuck a punch in the front side and tried driving the pin back out and stuck the punch, finally got that out, but didn't move the pin. If someone was to make a solid pin with threads on one end that could self thread into the boss, I think I'd buy a few. Maybe I'll try the afore mentioned brownells punch if I can find it, I find their search function sometimes less that useful.. |
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Quoted: Thanks for all the responses. I tried the heat and penetrating oil with no result. I used taped up pliers and broke the pin off. I stuck a punch in the front side and tried driving the pin back out and stuck the punch, finally got that out, but didn't move the pin. If someone was to make a solid pin with threads on one end that could self thread into the boss, I think I'd buy a few. Maybe I'll try the afore mentioned brownells punch if I can find it, I find their search function sometimes less that useful.. |
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Quoted:
<snip> ... Maybe I'll try the afore mentioned brownells punch if I can find it, I find their search function sometimes less that useful.. Here you go: Bolt Catch Punch |
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Quoted: Quoted: <snip> ... Maybe I'll try the afore mentioned brownells punch if I can find it, I find their search function sometimes less that useful.. Here you go: Bolt Catch Punch |
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