Pin Punch set advise needed

I just bought a set from my local auto parts store. Then bought another of the smallest size punch separately and cut it short to remove small stubborn pins without bending it.
If you are going to be working on milsurp type or ar-15 style rifles (I generally don't), I think there are special punches to prevent mushrooming very stubborn pins.
 
www.springtools.com

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I have a set of these. Awesome.
 
The cheap brass Princess Auto set is no bargain. The smallest punch curled up like spaghetti on the first pin. The second smallest one just bent a lot the first time it was used. The larger diameter punches should be ok if you're gentle with them.
 
I picked up a set of the Brownells roll pin punches, and they are fantastic. Made assembling my AR lower a breeze! Didn't ruin a single pin, and really had to pound a few in there (I realized after that I didn't scrape the anodizing out of the holes first :redface:)

All these punches have a tit on the end for a roll pin. If you need flat punches, well, they're available everywhere.
 
Princess Auto brass punches are junk, as I learned the hard way. Being frugal, I got some 1/4" brass rod, cut it into 2" lengths. Then I went through by coffee mug of worn out drill bits until I found all the sizes I needed. I used good drills to drill a hole of the proper diameters in the ends of the brass rod sections, broke off the old bits to desired length then soldered them into the brass rod. Presto - tempered steel pin punches in any size I might need and they don't bend, break or mushroom at the end. I would not hesitate to use a good drill bit if necessary - still cheaper than buying a set of mediocre punches.
 
I bought a Starrett set almost 10 years ago. I have since broken the 1/16th one, but all the others are 100%.
Replaced the 1/16th with a Craftsman and was told it is lifetime warrantied. We'll see...
 
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