Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
2/29/2012 6:47:09 PM EDT
First post and I admit to being defeated by a little piece of round metal....  I can not get the pivot detent pin to push the spring down and then get the pivot pin started.  I can't keep shooting that little detent pin across the room !  Any suggestions? Tips ?  
Thanks from a new user, learning the hard way.

Divelight
2/29/2012 7:08:34 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
First post and I admit to being defeated by a little piece of round metal....  I can not get the pivot detent pin to push the spring down and then get the pivot pin started.  I can't keep shooting that little detent pin across the room !  Any suggestions? Tips ?  
Thanks from a new user, learning the hard way.

Divelight


I had the same issue, I ended up buying a special tool

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/920248/model-1-pivot-pin-detent-installation-tool-ar-15

I also read a tip to use a razor blade to hold the detent pin down while sliding the pin in and the remove the razor.
But like I said, I bought the tool. Had the pin installed in seconds
2/29/2012 7:18:11 PM EDT
[#2]
I picked up an install tool from Brownells too:  http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=26488/Product/PIVOT-PIN-DETENT-INSTALLATION-TOOL  Still doesn't make it idiot proof.  Last week I managed to launch that damn detent about 6 times, even lost it for a bit and came here looking for another.  lol  What I did manage to do that helped mitigate the flying fucker is use a plastic bag over the end of the lower while doing the push/pull of the pivot pin install.  It won't keep it from shooting out, but it will keep it from rocketing across the room.


 
2/29/2012 7:19:57 PM EDT
[#3]
Use a razor blade to hold it down. Took a few tries to get it down but it worked for me.
2/29/2012 7:20:48 PM EDT
[#4]
Try this too, same principal as the install tools.




 
2/29/2012 7:20:54 PM EDT
[#5]
This works nicely. I needed to square off the end of the pin (clevis pin) though. The one i got was a little rounded and the pivot pin would not sit square to it, shot the detent out on the first try . Works well now though.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/362116_.html
2/29/2012 7:41:06 PM EDT
[#6]
Razor blade and a steady hand - use a lower vise block and stick it in a vise unless you have 3 hands
This works fast and inexpensive.
2/29/2012 8:23:21 PM EDT
[#7]
THANK YOU GUYS !!  I knew there had to be something out there that made this easier then what I was trying to do.  
I'll have some other questions along the way and will give a shout out when I need that help.
Thanks again.


Divelight
2/29/2012 9:06:01 PM EDT
[#8]



Quoted:


THANK YOU GUYS !!  I knew there had to be something out there that made this easier then what I was trying to do.  

I'll have some other questions along the way and will give a shout out when I need that help.

Thanks again.





Divelight


This thread may answer a lot of them while you're building:  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_2_282/186316_New_and_Improved_Guide_to_Building_a_Lower.html



 
3/1/2012 4:14:16 AM EDT
[#9]
I use feeler gauge.  Ones you use for adjusting valves.  Not as sharp as razor blade and you get to choose the thickness.

I have sense purchase a installation tool and makes my life much easier.
3/1/2012 5:02:48 AM EDT
[#10]
I have built 1 lower and just dropped the spring and detent in then compressed it with the pivot pin and push. It took about a second.
3/1/2012 5:08:06 AM EDT
[#11]
A clevis pin will work they should have them at you local hardware store for about $1.50.  Will save the shipping  on the pin sold by midway
3/1/2012 5:11:04 AM EDT
[#12]
Enclose the lower and your hands inside a clear plastic bag just in case you launch the sping and pivot pin. Saves a lot of searching on your hands and knees.
3/1/2012 5:46:58 AM EDT
[#13]
A shameless plug for my stepsons tools

Tools

ETA: also the very best way I have found to complete this chore....
AR Sponsor