"I can't believe I didn't buy this before" gunsmithing tool?

**Misery Loves Shotguns** · January 8th, 2017, 12:45 PM

I've built 3 ARs now, constantly doing work on our rifles and I just recently got a set of roll pin starter punches. I can't believe I ever worked on an AR without these punches! I have a bunch of regular punches and the gas block, bolt catch, trigger guard, all of it was such a pain in the dick before. Now? I put a new trigger guard on my wife's AR yesterday in about 2 minutes and most of that was removing the old roll pin. I had no idea just how much easier it would make things and I got it on ebay for $9. What was your tool that changed the way you work on your guns? Maybe we all get some ideas from this.

**Rosco the Iroc** · January 8th, 2017, 12:52 PM

Works so much better then the handle of a large screwdriver.

(I am a amateur do try this at home)

**Bang** · January 8th, 2017, 01:12 PM

#4 Diesel hammer. Can't post a picture. Got pissed during a picnic table gunsmithing project and threw it. Never did find it. Maybe because of that camouflage pattern I had painted it.

**Emptymag** · January 8th, 2017, 01:36 PM

Gunsmithing tool? You be the judge.

Pivot pin detent installed using this. No need to buy a clevis pin.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

See minute 14:10 minute mark to see how it is done.

I have a degree from the Bripro Hammer and Large Rock School of Gunsmithing.

**BadMonk** · January 8th, 2017, 03:17 PM

Easy way to install roll pins...pair of parallel action, flat pliers.

**unclejumbo** · January 8th, 2017, 03:26 PM

A vise, vise blocks and the Geissele reaction rod. So much easier to work on a steady, secured rifle than trying to clamp it between your legs or standing on it.

**R L Suehr** · January 8th, 2017, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Emptymag

Gunsmithing tool? You be the judge.

Pivot pin detent installed using this. No need to buy a clevis pin.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

See minute 14:10 minute mark to see how it is done.

I have a degree from the Bripro Hammer and Large Rock School of Gunsmithing.

Lol,
I use a razor blade. The lower build I finished up for Christmas, it slipped causing that little guy to go flying around my work area. It also induced a late night string of profanity that my trucker buddies would be humbled by in the hour search that insued.

Originally Posted by BadMonk

Easy way to install roll pins...pair of parallel action, flat pliers.

^^^this^^^

Works great, and has less chance of a whoops that will mar up the finish on a fresh lower.

**raxar** · January 8th, 2017, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by BadMonk

Easy way to install roll pins...pair of parallel action, flat pliers.

I just use a regular set of channel locks, it makes putting the bolt release in unbelievably easy.

**Misery Loves Shotguns** · January 8th, 2017, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by BadMonk

Easy way to install roll pins...pair of parallel action, flat pliers.

I had my wife help because I needed a third arm. I had needle nose pliers squeezing it, a punch on top of it and a hammer to tap it in. Roll pin starter punches made that process soooooo much easier.

Originally Posted by unclejumbo

A vise, vise blocks and the Geissele reaction rod. So much easier to work on a steady, secured rifle than trying to clamp it between your legs or standing on it.

My first build was done that way. Sitting on the floor in my living room, no vice or specialized tools. Obviously that was a very poor build. I got the magazine well block last year and that's pretty awesome. I was looking at the reaction rod but good god, $100 for it? If I built a lot of uppers or something, I can totally see how that would be worth it though.