Removing very small roll pin

[Shinbone]

What should be used to remove a very small roll pin? I want to change the locking block on a PT92 AFS to the latest gen but also need to replace the pin that engages into the slot on the block. The pin is held in place with a tiny roll pin so I'm wondering how to push it out. The smallest punches I can find are 1/16" and I know that will be too large.
Thanks.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...nsmith-replaceable-pin-punch-set-prod545.aspx

 

[LRShooting]

In a pinch...you can use small drill bits. I dont know if you have any in your local stores but sometimes ACE, fastenal, etc. will carry some real small bits. Break off the fluted part and hold them with vice grips.

Wear glasses though. This is just my solution when I dont wanna wait or buy more expensive tools. I have so so few things that small its just not worth it to me.

 

[J-Bar]

A blunted little finishing nail can double as a crude punch sometimes.

 

[Schwing]

I bought a really cheap brass drift set. If you need something smaller than 1/16, you can carefully grind them down on a belt sander or grinder. Go slow. Even if you do it by hand, it doesn't take very much effort to remove a lot of brass.

 

[gamestalker]

Be careful if you go the drill bit route. They are very hard / brittle, you don't want break one off inside the pin or the channel. I would find something made of brass.

GS

 

[natman]

Be careful if you go the drill bit route. They are very hard / brittle, you don't want break one off inside the pin or the channel. I would find something made of brass.

GS

Good point. If you must use a drill bit, heat it red hot and let it cool slowly. That will remove the temper and make it much softer. You will be able to cut it with a hacksaw rather than breaking it.

A brass punch would still be better if you can get one small enough that won't bend.

 

[Shinbone]

Thanks for all the replies. I will probably send for the Brownell's punch set. For now, I'll just leave it until it should need to be replaced.

 

[rcmodel]

BTW: No brass punch that small will do anything except bend, or break.

Don't even try it!!!

rc

 

[entropy]

BDTD! Glad you decided to get the right tool.

 

[Shinbone]

I think you mean BTDT? As in been there, done that?

 

[Plinkin' Logs]

Is 1/32 small enough
if so here
Pretty handy for other things as well. I learning that the right tool for the right job, really makes things easier in the long run.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

So, having got the pin out. How do you get it back in again? Any tips?

 

[1KPerDay]

Roll pin holder/starter, roll pin punches. Accept no substitute.

 

[No_Expert]

This is no problem with chucking the roll pin in a drill and using a file or sandpaper to put enough taper on the end of the pin to get it started in the hole. And straight pin punches work just fine on roll pins.

 

[WestKentucky]

I also suggest tiny nails or pushpins, but you want to make the end blunt if possible so that it doesn't try to force the roll pin open and you end up with your improvised punch stuck.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Thanks. I pulled out a really small roll pin (3/32th inch I would guess) and I had a devil of a time getting it back in. I finally gave up as it was a tight fight to the front sight of my SIG 232. It was already tapered but just would not start into the hole without popping out.

I set it aside to see if the front sight moves. If it does I will make another run at putting it in with a roll pin starter tool.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Roll pin punch. Glad you're buying it. You may also want to get roll pin starter punches.