SKS bolt disassembly - I can't get the pin out!

[thebaldguy]

I have tried and tried, but I cannot get the pin out on the SKS bolt! I tried using the gas port cleaning tool and a tap from a hammer last night per numerous searches here and elsewhere. Result: One broken gas port cleaning tool! I am thinking about running to the hardware store for a punch, but I can't believe that it takes that much force to remove it(I also wondered how will I get it back in if I have to use a hammer and punch to get it out). Does the extractor need to be under tension or forced open/out? The firing pin is free and moves, but I would like to get it apart for a good cleaning. Any ideas besides using a physical violence, a monster hammer and punch?

 

[tommyt]

http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/boltdisassemble/hs.asp

I try to use brass punches when I can.

 

[Sven]

Requires a LOT of force, especially the first time. I learned a bunch about this over on the sksboards.com - here is the thread:

http://www.sksboards.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15954&highlight=

I ended up sending mine to Murray's Gunsmithing - he installed a firing pin (return) spring on my Yugo bolt.

http://www.murraysguns.com/sksown.htm

 

[Lonestar.45]

I had the same problem at first. I thought I was doing something wrong, then I read on another thread about how to do it.

I opened the jaws of my vice open about 1", put a shop rag over the top of it, and laid the bolt across the jaws (the rag keeps the vice from marring the bolt). Then, I got a good steel punch (not the gas port tool, as you found out, it is much much too weak), and knocked the HECK out of the pin with a good solid wack, and it moved! Did it again a couple more times, and finally it came out. It was much much easier to put back in, I just tapped it in with a small hammer, no problem. It takes some serious force at first to get it to move, but once it moves, it's easy. I also bought a couple of spare retaining pins from Numrich before hand, just in case I messed it up or something, but I didn't need it. My problem the first time around was I was much too gentle for fear of breaking something.

I've heard of other guys rigging a "C" clamp and using it as a press to press the pin out. I played around with that idea and couldn't get it to work, maybe you'd have more success at it than I did.

 

[thebaldguy]

Woo hoo! I did it! I got a punch, and pushed it out with a hammer. You folks were correct; it took a few good hits to get it to move, but it worked. I cleaned up the firing pin channel and bolt really good, and it moves freely. I may take a look at the replacement firing pin system that includes a spring to keep the slam fires from happening.

http://www.murraysguns.com/sksown.htm

Thanks again for all your help!

thebaldguy

 

[Justang]

I tried a punch and still couldn't get it out. I may take it to a gun smith to see if he can get it out. I whacked the crap outa mine and it wouldn't budge at all!

 

[Darkside852003]

I used a brass punch and a 6 pound hammer. I tore up the pin but it didn't budge. Took it to the smith and he had it done in one whack with the hammer. Now I need to order a new pin.

Jeff

 

[Big Man]

As long as the fp moves freely...you dont need to take the bolt apart. If the bolt is full of cosmo...you can soak it with cleaner to get everything out. But experience says as long as the fp moves freely and isnt broken...you're good to go.

 

[armoredman]

What I did was boiled the bolt, to melt all leftover cosmo out, then took my hot item outside, with hammer and steel center punch. Whacking like a madman on my stairs, (using the open space between treads as a relief for the pin), I was able to get it to start moving. Moving it to another area, so i wouldn't lose anything, I got the sucker to finally come out. putting it in was just as much a pain! i ended up using a C-clamp to force it 95% of the way in, and tapping it is with the hammer after that. Everything works, and it's easy to check, as there is nothing to an SKS bolt....imagine using a hammer like that on your (insert favorite rifle here) bolt!

 

[absolute0]

As long as they're good and clean....us guys in the know just leave 'em in

Kurt

Another bald guy in Minnesota