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4/25/2005 6:36:30 PM EDT
I completed my first build tonight finally! I was having a hell of a time getting the roll pin in the gas block, needle nose pliers didn't work.

I figured out if you take a sewing pin with a ball on the top bigger than the diameter of the roll pin, drop the sewing pin into the roll pin and then set the pin in the correct hole.  The sewing pin holds the roll pin in place while you tap it in. After you are done just push the sewing pin out and your done.

Not sure if I explained this good enough, but give it a shot it worked like a charm.
4/25/2005 6:43:05 PM EDT
[#1]
I understand exactly what you are saying, that's a good idea.

But I was lucky enough to get the pin in easily with needle nose pliers and a couple taps on a larger nail set punch.  The nail set punch has an inverted dome on the tip so the pin fits into that which helps the whole operation.
4/25/2005 8:33:48 PM EDT
[#2]
That's the second time today I've read someone mention using a "nail set" for roll pins.  I like to think I know something about tools but as I live and breathe I don't know one damn thing about nail sets!  What are they, how much do they cost, and if I go into Ace Hardware and ask for a Nail Set will they look at me and go into paroxysms of laughter and shame me out of every shred of manhood I have left? [full hijack mode starts NOW]
4/26/2005 5:36:27 AM EDT
[#3]
A nail set is merely a type of punch used to knock the nail head slightly below the surface of the
wood.   In my experience it is a punch that is fairly stubby and ends in a 90deg. point.
4/26/2005 5:46:37 AM EDT
[#4]
An easy way to install any roll pin:

Spin the pin in a drill and file a slight bevel on one edge.

Grease the beveled edge.

Tap it into the hole with an ALUMINUM hammer.  I made one expressly for driving roll pins.  The aluminum "grips" the roll pin without deforming it.  And the pin doesn't slide off the hammer face like it does on a steel hammer or punch.

Made the hammer 15 years ago, and it is still going strong.
4/26/2005 6:17:13 AM EDT
[#5]
3 PC. NAIL PUNCH SET


Drives nails flush or below the surface of the wood without damaging the surrounding wood. Color coded for easy recognition.
• Sizes: 1/32'', 1/16'', 3/32''
• Heat-treated, black industrial finish
• Rubber molded grips
• 4-7/8'' overall length


ITEM 41988-0VGA
$3.99
www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=41988
4/26/2005 9:06:35 AM EDT
[#6]
Even better is the tools that are designed to do the job, roll pin punches.

www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=5551&title=ROLL+PIN+PUNCHES

3/32 is #3 Roll pin punch  (for bolt release pin)
item #230-100-003
#3 Roll Pin Punch   $3.75

1/8 is #4 Roll pin punch  (for trigger guard pin)
item #230-100-004
#4 Roll Pin Punch   $3.83

Small item shipping $3.70

total delivered    $11.28
4/26/2005 11:22:38 AM EDT
[#7]
Excellent info, gents.  I very much appreciate it, as always.
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