Gas tube roll pin installation question

[ARperson]

So I'm putting together a new AR and I'm having some trouble installing the gas tube roll pin. It's more of a finesse thing. Can't seem to keep it in place and hammer the little dude in. Even enlisted the help of another person to hammer while I held in place. No joy.

Anybody got any suggestions on this? Or am I relegated to simple trial and error? Thanks.

 

[Jim K]

Assuming the hole and the pin are the right size, you can taper one end of the pin a little so it goes in more easily. The real answer is a roll pin punch, made specially for use with those pins. Check with Brownells.

Jim

 

[RJ357]

Also, the front sight housing should be resting on something solid - heavy vise, block of steel, etc. The more solid it is, the easier it will start.

 

[Amish_Bill]

Trick 1 - Use a pair of pliers or needlenose to slightly crimp one end in. NOT flatten it, but close the split in the roll to reduce the diameter.

Trick 2 - Put a little CLP or (insert favorite non-sex lube here) on the roll pin. This will ease the insertion of all the pins in an Ar-15 kit.

Trick 3 - hold the pin in place with a pair of needlenose or hemostats and lightly tap it in with a tack hammer.

 

[ARperson]

Got it, used the pliers trick, also figured out I was using a roll pin punch just one size too small to work well , went with the next size up and she went right in.

Thanks for the help.

 

[JNewell]

The roll pin starter punches from Brownells are really helpful, especially with the small pins, such as those in the A1 rear sight and the gas tube. Worth a look if this is more than a one-time job.