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5/12/2017 2:17:55 AM EDT
What's the best bang for the buck set of roll pin punch set?
5/12/2017 8:29:24 AM EDT
[#2]
I got a nice set from Sears for about $10.
5/12/2017 10:27:19 AM EDT
[#3]
Try anything except Wheeler. The set I got from them is bottom of the barrel. Ends are soft, smaller punches bend easily- and I'm not hard on my tools.
5/12/2017 12:09:32 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
Try anything except Wheeler. The set I got from them is bottom of the barrel. Ends are soft, smaller punches bend easily- and I'm not hard on my tools.
View Quote
This is my experience as well with the Wheeler set, although I successfully built 3 rifles with them.  Specifically, the 1/16" punch is virtually useless, especially on gas block/gas tube roll pins. I bought the Geiselle gas block specialty set because the Wheeler punch was such crap and I was so frustrated.  Anything below the 1/8" punch in the Wheeler set bends way too easy.  I don't like to bad mouth Wheeler because they have other tools that are really good for the money, but stay away from their punch set.
5/12/2017 6:48:12 PM EDT
[#5]
Well, contrary to the above 2 posters I have no problems with the $10 wheeler set I bought on Amazon. I love it.

Not really sure what the hell people are doing to be bending these things, you only need to barely tap it. You don't need to drive the pin home on the first hit. Just keeping lightly tapping till it's in place...

Same goes for people scratching their receivers Everytime they need to put a roll pin in. I've never scratched anything..
5/13/2017 7:19:22 AM EDT
[#6]
I keep the Tekton 66564 Rollpin Punch set sitting on my workbench. Has a set of rollpin punches and standard punches. Haven't had a problem with any of the punches bending, even the small ones.
5/14/2017 10:50:03 PM EDT
[#7]
I have found that using a SHORT set of pin punches is hugely helpful.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H407C1O?tag=vglnk-c102-20

-Stooxie
5/14/2017 11:01:08 PM EDT
[#8]
I bought the common ar sizes from brownells individually, the tekton set mentioned looks like the same thing.
5/14/2017 11:41:46 PM EDT
[#9]
Starrett  expensive but worth it
5/15/2017 12:20:13 AM EDT
[#10]
A LOT of the issues installing roll pins are because of the pins.

If you check the diameter of roll pins you will find many are out of spec, you can find different diameters in the same box.

In addition, many of the split pins are way too hard.

I've switched entirely to coil (spiral) pins because they insert much easier than split pins, BUT you still need to check the diameters as they also vary.
5/15/2017 12:24:37 AM EDT
[#11]
Besides my roll pin punch set, I also keep a couple of different sized finish nail sets in my kit, they work great to get things started, but I also check all of my roll pins sizes before I try to install them with my calipers that way, I know I am using the correct size.

I can't tell you how many times I have received LPK's and Gas Block/Gas tube roll pins that are actually the wrong size.  I finally just ordered a master kit of roll pins so I always have the right size on hand with I am putting something together.
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