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6/6/2007 7:04:23 PM EDT
What type/brand of punches do all the experts recommend?  I've broke/bent so many punches.  Most of the time when trying to remove the FSB pins, but I just bent a cheap a** punch while attempting to remove the gas tube pin?  WTF???!?!?

I've had it!  I need to buy a quality set.  Please post your recommendations.
6/6/2007 7:19:50 PM EDT
[#1]
For the FSB pins, I use a Stanley nail set from the hardware store or Walmart.  For everything else, I use a steel set of punches I got from Dillon Precision.  I don't like using brass ones because they break easily.

Stanley Nail Set
6/6/2007 7:27:19 PM EDT
[#2]
5 piece set from sears for $10, w/ a lifetime warranty.
6/6/2007 7:28:42 PM EDT
[#3]

Quoted:
5 piece set from sears for $10, w/ a lifetime warranty.


+1
craftsman is the way to go
6/6/2007 7:55:48 PM EDT
[#4]
The way I break 1/16 punches the Sears idea has merit...
6/7/2007 3:03:23 AM EDT
[#5]
For gunsmithing punches I had good luck with Grace and brownells roll pin punches.

When I hammer on FSB pins I use a big craftsmen punch or a Vise press.
6/7/2007 5:26:51 AM EDT
[#6]
I use Lyman roll pin punches.  I would agree if breaking is commonplace, then Craftsman would be the way to go.  I looked at a Craftsman roll pin punch set and after seeing their price, I thought I would give Lyman a shot first as they are in the shooting biz.
6/7/2007 5:46:20 AM EDT
[#7]
Mine are Dasco Pro steel, but I don't have a full set, just 3: 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8".  Haven't broken or bent one, but I don't use 'em every day and I don't do much detailed stripping.  

They came in very handy when I wanted to change out the firing pin spring on a CZ-75B, in which I had to drive out a somewhat reluctant 1/16" roll pin.  

I use the 1/8" one (with a piece of T-shirt to prevent scratches) to push out the rear receiver pin for cleaning my evil black rifle.

They work well enough, but I don't think these punches were designed with gun maintenance/smithing in mind.  They're painted with something that doesn't play well with gun cleaning solvents.  The blue paint gets goopy and sticky in the presence of very small amounts of Hoppe's #9, et al.  So, I have to be careful not to lay them on my (newspaper covered) cleaning table when I'm done, or there's a sticky mess (and usually removed paint) later.
6/7/2007 11:07:02 AM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
The way I break 1/16 punches the Sears idea has merit...


Yes it does.  I will be stopping by Sears this evening
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