OK Next Stupid Question - Roll Pins

[Jobber]

I know that tension roll pins are normally larger than the hole they are to driven into, and the spring tension holds them in place. They also come in longitudinally slotted (split) and spiral wound.
Theoretically you should use specifically designed roll pin punches for removal and/or installation. They have a small nipple or tit on the end.
My question is since tension roll pins are hollow doesn't the nipple or tit tend to expand them, when the punch is struck with a hammer? The method seems counterintuitive to me.
Google wasn't any help, or I asked wrong.

 

[troy fairweather]

No they hit straight, and keep the ends from rolling over to.

 

[whughett]

Never used one but would seem the shoulders would be the surface bearing against the pin. Much like a straight wall rimless cartridge round head spaces on its mouth with the bullet protruding into the open space.

 

[shooter1niner]

The little boss on the end of the punch is the right size for the specific diameter pin. Just use the right size punch...

 

[whughett]

Opps.

 

[boom boom]

I would consider using hollow end starter punches on roll pins to get them started and then use the roll pin pinches to drive them the remaining distance. They have saved me a lot of grief on AR builds because not all roll pins out there are equal in material quality and some can and have collapsed or opened up even using roll pin punches. .

 

[1KPerDay]

I use hollow starter punches to get all pins started. WAY better than anything else.
Then use roll pin punches to finish.

 

[Varminterror]

Hollow tip “roll pin starter punches” chased with nipple-tip roll pin punches held true to the pin will not flare the pin. At least not in my hands.

 

[entropy]

If you are asking quesions like this, I suggest changing your username. It's almost as bad as the user that has a pic of Jeff Cooper as his avatar, but loves Glocks.

 

[Sistema1927]

If you are asking quesions like this, I suggest changing your username. It's almost as bad as the user that has a pic of Jeff Cooper as his avatar, but loves Glocks.

Ouch! Just a little rough, don't you think?

 

[1KPerDay]

Wondering if entropy needs some sunshine... seems a bit out of character lately

 

[entropy]

It has been cloudy here as of late.....and maybe he knows a lot about drill bits.

 

[SGW Gunsmith]

I would consider using hollow end starter punches on roll pins to get them started and then use the roll pin pinches to drive them the remaining distance. They have saved me a lot of grief on AR builds because not all roll pins out there are equal in material quality and some can and have collapsed or opened up even using roll pin punches. .

I'll second that suggestion. Seems I'm seeing more and more use of spring & coil roll pins involved with guns these days. So, to get with the program, I use the hollow end and then the nub guided front end style of roll pin punches. They do make installation much more easy, and those little suckers refuse to drift out of place.

If you have access to a metal lathe, the hollow end, starter punches, are very easily made. Those with the "nub" end can be lathe turned also.