AR-15 BOLT CATCH ROLL PIN INSTALLATION - TIPS and TRICKS

[imschur]

I thought it might be interesting to see how we each handle the most frustrating AR-15 Tasks.  I decided the bolt catch roll pin would be a good place to start.

Tools

1. Bolt Catch Roll Pin Punch

2. 1" Nylon/Brass Hammer

3. 1" Masking Tape

I cover the lower with tape. I then take a piece of tape and roll the tape around 3/4 of the roll pin with the rest rollled to the punch. Keeping it all as as straight as possible. This holds the roll pin securely while driving it in with the hammer. The pin has no trouble sliding out of the tape as it's driven deeper into position.

Alternatively I have done the same process with heat shrink tubing with good success.

Ill post a few pictures next time I do a build.

I also have an idea for a tool to simplify the process. Sadly the milling machine at the office is dead and wont be repaired so I need to work with an outside machine shop. Maybe one day i will get it done and sell the idea to Brownells

So how do you guys get it done?

[Robocop1051]

Mega Arms stainless steel "threaded" bolt catch pin! Gotta love it!!

[imschur]

Mega Arms stainless steel "threaded" bolt catch pin! Gotta love it!!

Mega threads their AR-15'S

[Jgun]

I've never seen a Mega  AR-15 lower with a threaded bolt catch pin. Just checked the one in my possesion and it's got the roll pin. Unless they changed it recently, I think the threaded pin is just in the MA TEN receivers.

[Robocop1051]

Please, allow me...

This is the billet AR15 lower.

[Jgun]

I guess that's one of the perks they offer when you go for the GTR-3S lower that matches their own upper. I've only done builds using  their GTR-3H billet lower, and unless they've upgraded that as well, the ones that I've worked on have all had the dreaded AR-15 roll pin.

[imschur]

Thats cool.

ok any more tips for non Mega owners ?  ;D

[98Z5V]

Just transfered a Mega GTR-3H lower today, and it's set-screwed in the same location as Robo's pic.

Drew, the only other tip I can think of for this specific pin is the "Taped Plier Jaws" trick - tape the jaws on a set of pliers so you don't damage the protruding ears that the roll pin slides into - start the pin, then use the plier's squeeze to set the pin in place - one jaw on the pin itself, the other jaw on the opposite ear that the pin gets pushed into.  I'll see if I can find a pic.

Since 4 lowers came in today, I've already built one - I should have grabbed pics myself, but didn't.

[hobbesgunner]

I used to wrap card stock around lower and use a punch with lower setting on a receiver block to hold it..last few years I've used a small pair of channel lock pliers with a cover on one jaw....way way better..easier to control...

[98Z5V]

Here's what I was talking about up there ^^^ with the taped up plier jaws - works like a champ.  <thumbsup>

[washguy]

Yep... the ma10 has me spoiled...but when doing the ol ar15 lower I tape up the lower real good with blue painters tape....then use my roll pin starter and my lil brass gunsmith hammer.. knocks it in a fair amount...then go to the punch to finish up :)  Wash

[Magwa]

Yep... the ma10 has me spoiled...but when doing the ol ar15 lower I tape up the lower real good with blue painters tape....then use my roll pin starter and my lil brass gunsmith hammer.. knocks it in a fair amount...then go to the punch to finish up :)  Wash

  same way I do it i have a tiny hammer ball peen and it does 70% then finish with punch ...

[GRA]

I use the plastic punch and a very, very light hammer and just take my time tapping it in.  Same with the Trigger guard.  I do use a small punch as a guide.

[lasher]

i use mega billets and they all had the threaded pin, have a forged mega and you have to drive the pin in. i use a tooth cut to less tha 1/2 inch and use it as a guide, get everything in place with the toothpick and then let the roll pin ,,,well roll,,,it drives out the toothpick and you're good to go. i use the blue 2" painter tape wrapped around the area to prevent those unsightly dings <laughs>

[mrmackc]

I have a couple pin pushing tools used to push out the link pins in Seiko metal watch bands to lengthen or shorten the watch bands. Bought them on Amazon years ago are kind of awkward but do work on real small pins. Channel locks have worked for years had seen vicegrips modified but never used them look to me to be better.

[Black_Sheep]

Aero uses threaded pins in the bolt catch and forward assist, it’s one of the main reasons they are my go-to manufacturer for uppers and lowers.

[GRA]

I bought a simple bolt catch roll pin tool set after my first build.  It’s designed to accommodate that pin installation specifically.  I think it’s a Wheeler set.  Works great.  I also use tape to avoid the scratches.

I also learned my lesson with the front takedown pin and I bought a special install rod for that.  No more frustrations. 👍

[StarWolf]

I know this is an old thread but I thought I'd mention a few additional tools for installing a bolt catch roll pin in an AR, whether it's a small or large frame.

Real Avid makes a set of roll pin holder and roll pin punches that are both extra long and flattened on one side to make this task easier:

https://www.realavid.com/product/bolt-catch-punch-set/

Before those were out there was a similar long set of smaller diameter punches that included the roll pin holder and roll pin punch produced by Xtreme Precision:

https://ar15xtreme.com/store/product/ar-15-extra-long-3-32-bolt-catch-roll-pin-starter-finish-punch-set-sku-946/

There is also KAK Industry's 'Walt's tool' which is a small diameter extra long roll pin holder:

https://www.kakindustry.com/walts-tool

[98Z5V]

On 1/29/2023 at 12:25 AM, StarWolf said:

Real Avid makes a set of roll pin holder and roll pin punches that are both extra long and flattened on one side to make this task easier:

https://www.realavid.com/product/bolt-catch-punch-set/

I have these - they're damn nice, and low price.  I highly recommend them.