Roll pin punches for AR15 and general gunsmithing.

[hole punch]

I'll be building-up a couple AR-15 lower receivers here soon, as well as helping some friends build theirs, and I almost have all the tool I need from previous builds. One thing I'm really lacking is roll pin punches, and I wanted to know what everyone is using. I'm looking for links to Brownells, Midway, etc, so I can order these online and have them mailed to me. I want to know what you're using and are you happy with them? Thanks in advance for any and all help!

 

[Calengor]

I have these http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR15-Punch-Set-p/tool ar15 punch set.htm and used them to put my Lower together successfully.

 

[pop-gunner]

I use vice grips and press the pins in rather than a hammer and punch.
I only use a punch to counter sink the pin once it's installed.

 

[Russ D]

I use vice grips and press the pins in rather than a hammer and punch.
I only use a punch to counter sink the pin once it's installed.

Same here. I have a much easier time using Robogrips as when they close they move squarely.

 

[rj1974]

got a set of proto pin punches from grainger . i think its a set of 8 punches

 

[j8064]

I've done what pop & Russ said: tape up the vice grip jaws and ease in the pins. For the little bit of punch and hammer work I used an inexpensive Lyman set I had on hand.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=191653

 

[lee2]

try harborfreight.

 

[VWTurbo]

I picked up the two smallest punches from lowes (6 or 7 bux total) and worked great.
Next time I will try the vice grips approach with the punch to counter sink. My biggest issue was finding a stable surface to actually do the hammering...

 

[j8064]

I picked up the two smallest punches from lowes (6 or 7 bux total) and worked great.
Next time I will try the vice grips approach with the punch to counter sink. My biggest issue was finding a stable surface to actually do the hammering...

Kitchen counter with lots of duct tape to hold certain parts in place when needed ---> Just make sure the Mrs. isn't home and clean it all up nice before she returns...

 

[hole punch]

I have these http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR15-Punch-Set-p/tool ar15 punch set.htm and used them to put my Lower together successfully.

these appear to be out of stock at the moment.

I've done what pop & Russ said: tape up the vice grip jaws and ease in the pins. For the little bit of punch and hammer work I used an inexpensive Lyman set I had on hand.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=191653

this might be the ones, and the price is right.

anyone else?

 

[jimbobborg]

this might be the ones, and the price is right.

anyone else?

I have the Lyman set, too. I've put five lowers together with them. Works great!

Jim

 

[Eddie Van]

There's always Mcmaster-Carr, they have everything!

http://www.mcmaster.com/#pin-punches/=bgjror

 

[hole punch]

I have the Lyman set, too. I've put five lowers together with them. Works great!

Jim

I just ordered the Lyman set from Midway

There's always Mcmaster-Carr, they have everything!

http://www.mcmaster.com/#pin-punches/=bgjror

whoa, by everything, you aren't kidding lol! if i knew *exactly* what i needed, it looks like they have it!

 

[dwnthehatch]

I have a cheapo Stanley set from Walmart.

 

[Idempotent]

I have a set of 7 roll pin punches from Grace (seen here, though I recall spending $30 on them somewhere else). Are they the cheapest alternative? No. But I'd rather buy high quality tools made in the USA that will last a lifetime than get some of the crap punches that bend over upon first usage (and yes, I've seen photographs). Now, it really all depends on how much use I get out of these punches to see if the expense was justified, but so far they've come in handy assembling one AR-15 and re-assembling one M1 Garand.

 

[hole punch]

I have a set of 7 roll pin punches from Grace (seen here, though I recall spending $30 on them somewhere else). Are they the cheapest alternative? No. But I'd rather buy high quality tools made in the USA that will last a lifetime than get some of the crap punches that bend over upon first usage (and yes, I've seen photographs). Now, it really all depends on how much use I get out of these punches to see if the expense was justified, but so far they've come in handy assembling one AR-15 and re-assembling one M1 Garand.

damn. wish i'd saw those. i've already ordered the small set from Midway as I need them as soon as possible.

If I decide I need something better I'll look into these Graces.

 

[winch]

I'm a cheap bastage so I went the Harbor Freight route...tape 'em up if need be. worked for me. I use punches about once every 35 years.

 

[MDMOUNTAINEER]

I use the lymans

My entire lower build tool list is as follows

Roll Pin Punches
Small Hammer
Wire Cutters (to hold the pivot pin detent)
Razor Knife (for the pivot pin detent)
Duct Tape (to protect the lower when installing the bolt catch)
Q-Tips (for alumi-black)
Alumi-Black

 

[j8064]

I use the lymans

My entire lower build tool list is as follows

Roll Pin Punches
Small Hammer
Wire Cutters (to hold the pivot pin detent)
Razor Knife (for the pivot pin detent)
Duct Tape (to protect the lower when installing the bolt catch)
Q-Tips (for alumi-black)
Alumi-Black

Only two things missing:
1) A big clear plastic bag to cover you and the assembly the first time you install the pivot spring, detent and pin. Of course nobody here has ever launched those parts...including me...ya right.
2) A small block of wood to support the receiver ears as you start the trigger guard pin. I've read more than once where other folks have broken off an ear and regretted it.

I do kinda like the tool this guy uses @ 1:35 in the video to install the pivot pin: Simple, home made and looks like it works well:

 

[BenL]

I do kinda like the tool this guy uses @ 1:35 in the video to install the pivot pin: Simple, home made and looks like it works well:

Those are actually commercially available in steel.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=26488/Product/PIVOT_PIN_DETENT_INSTALLATION_TOOL