SKS troubles - How do I get the gas tube / handguard off - stuck rivet of death

O

Oversight

New member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hi all,

I recently installed my SKS in a Strikeforce stock. Everything went pretty smooth until I attempted to punch out the pin for the gas tube cover. Bent two punches trying to get it out. I have looked around and I see that drilling it and replacing the rivet with a "roll pin" is the conventional solution.

I understand this is a common problem, and I just wanted some specific advice on two things:
1) What the heck is a "roll pin"? And where do I find one? I've called a few local hardward stores and noone seems to know exactly what I'm talking about. Finally, how do I know which size to buy?
2) What is the best kind of drill bit to get the thing out? Does it need to be especially hard or will a Cambodian Tire general bit suffice?

Thanks in advance! I want this changed, desert tan and Russian hardwood just don't look very stylish together :)
 
I would buy another gas tube and keep the hardwood one if you want to swap back. I think hical or someone like that sells the gas tubes with the polymer guards already installed
 
A roll pin is also called a spring pin. You can get one at any auto parts store. Google search it and u can see what your looking for. The other way to do it is the way I have done It and just use any metal surface (like the side of a sledge or axe etc.) And make a new pin out of a finishing nail it should be one that slides through but the head should stop it then cut it however you want (hell i normally do it with side cutters and some elbow grease) about an 8th inch too long and just beat the other end then use a file to make it flushish untill it fits if u do use a roll pin then drill the hole to the next size up roll pin you can find. The roll pin should tap in with ease but should need to be too easy to tap in as it will be holding everything together. Id honestly go the finishing nail route as it replicates the old pin that came out. And as far as drill bits the pin is soft enough steel it could be beaten flat so any drill bit will do.
 
I've heard ( I know , I know ) that you have to just drill a little off the end , then use the punch . I had the same problem but decided to buy the tapco gas tube and keep the wood one for switching back to the original . Good luck :)
 
kgb81 said:
I would buy another gas tube and keep the hardwood one if you want to swap back. I think hical or someone like that sells the gas tubes with the polymer guards already installed
Click to expand...

This is what i did, but i went with a wood chinese replacement gas cover, the pin came out fairly easy, and i still have my nice shellac wood one.

If you still want to punch it out, are you punching from the correct side? it's a tapered pin and will only come out one way.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom