help with gas block roll pin?!

[Davy Crockett]

I'm having a hell of a time getting the roll pin started in the gas block. It's a low pro DD gas block, gas tube and pin are also DD.

I've got the block clamped in a vice and I'm trying to get it started with some padded channel locks using a bit of oil to help, unfortunately don't have roll pin punches. It almost seems like the pin is a bit large, it won't seat in the hole at all.

I'm not sure how much force this should take. All the other pins in my build so far have gone in with minimal effort. I've debated removing some material off the pin but I don't want to harm the finished fit.

Any secrets? Should this be such a pain in the arse?

 

[Phat Eagle]

Not wanting to be insulting, I'll mention the obvious... They are tapered... Did you try tapping them from the other side? I only ask because I've done that myself!

 

[*MALICE*]

Not wanting to be insulting, I'll mention the obvious... They are tapered... Did you try tapping them from the other side? I only ask because I've done that myself!

Not wanting to be insulting, I'll mention the obvious; he is talking about the roll pin for the gas tube, not the taper pins


OP - having a roll pin starter punch makes this soooooooo much easier

 

[Davy Crockett]

No wanting to be insulting, I'll mention the obvious; he is talking about the roll pin for the gas tube, not the taper pins

I haven't mic'd it but the pin did look smaller on one end, maybe crimped a bit harder? I am starting from the right side of the block (left side looking at the muzzle) with the end of the pin that is closed more. Still can't even get it to sit in place enough to try to drive it through. I just know I'm going to lose this little bastard yet.

 

[Stevo]

I haven't mic'd it but the pin did look smaller on one end, maybe crimped a bit harder? I am starting from the right side of the block (left side looking at the muzzle) with the end of the pin that is closed more. Still can't even get it to sit in place enough to try to drive it through. I just know I'm going to lose this little bastard yet.

I've given the roll pin a bit of a squeeze on the end with wire cutter or put a bevel on the end of it to make one end easier to start.

If you have brass punches, you can drill a shallow hole of the right diameter in the end to make your own starter punch for the pin. If the hole is a bit big, I just use a dab of grease to hold it in the punch till it gets started.

 

[F22_RaptoR]

I've given the roll pin a bit of a squeeze on the end with wire cutter or put a bevel on the end of it to make one end easier to start.

If you have brass punches, you can drill a shallow hole of the right diameter in the end to make your own starter punch for the pin. If the hole is a bit big, I just use a dab of grease to hold it in the punch till it gets started.

I did this trick with a brass punch to make my own pin starter, but I also got a Geissele roll pin punch starter and WAYYY better.

A roll pin starting punch is an invaluable tool to get the teeny little bastards started!

ETA

Without that, if you have a set of needle nose pliers, you can sorta hold it in position and hit it with a small hammer (like a finish nail hammer) to get it started, then use a 1/8" roll pin punch to get it most of the way in, then switch to the 1/16th or 3/64 punch or whatever it is to finish getting it in.

 

[greentips]

I usually somehow get the pin stand in the hole, and strike the pin directly with a brass mallet.

 

[thump_rrr]

This is what you need.
http://www.armseast.com/store/geissele_automatics/ga_rollpin_tool/

 

[Trinimon]

i'm confused, is the OP trying to remove the taper pins holding the gas block in place or trying to install the gas tube roll pin?

 

[Davy Crockett]

i'm confused, is the OP trying to remove the taper pins holding the gas block in place or trying to install the gas tube roll pin?

Sorry, should have clarified, gas tube roll pin.

 

[Phat Eagle]

Not wanting to be insulting, I'll mention the obvious; he is talking about the roll pin for the gas tube, not the taper pins

My bad; I thought he was talking about the taper pins on the GB!

 

[drifter dave]

I've done 5 or 6 of these using vice grip plyers.

 

[Lexthedestroyer]

I've done 5 or 6 of these using vice grip plyers.

^^^This works well. Tape up the jaws so as to avoid marring the finish. Got my bolt hold open latch in this way.

 

[Davy Crockett]

Thanks for all the input guys. Finally got that little ****er in by holding it with some needle nose pliers and tapping it with a hammer to start it, then drifted it through with a brass punch.

Now, if only I hadn't forgotten to order a mag release button I'd have finished my build today. It was great fun though, definitely won't be my last build.

 

[Trinimon]

^^ That's pretty much how I've done it in the past ie needle nose pliers and a couple taps from a 4oz hammer to get it started then finish it off with a roll pin punch. Only this year I decided to pick up some roll-pin starter punches. I should've bought those a long time ago.

 

[Deitch]

I used a file to put a bit more chamfer on the starting end to help transition it in. Used the channel lock trick with tape only on the side touching the gas block. Worked like a charm.

 

[Gunnerlove]

Needle nose pliers and a small hammer to get it started and just tap it flush.

 

[bsand]

I used a file to put a bit more chamfer on the starting end to help transition it in. Used the channel lock trick with tape only on the side touching the gas block. Worked like a charm.

I do the same with all roll pins. I just use needle nose pliers and a small brass hammer from Brownells.