Str8shooter Posted November 29, 2018 Report Share Posted November 29, 2018 I used to have issues with fighting with a gas block retaining pin. Then a long time ago I thought why not use pliers instead of trying to pound a small pin in with a punch or find a special punch to hold it slightly? So long story short, I took electrical tape to wrap the jaws of a pair of pliers to keep it smooth and leave no marks on the gas block and left a small tag hanging off where the pin could stick to it facing the hole. A very small bit of oil at the hole helps it slide in also. This seriously takes all of about a 30 sec to a minute to squeeze in. I've shown friends this trick after they tell me they have been fighting with little burrs caused by trying to force the pin in with a hammer. They sit there with there mouths hanging open and usually laugh and call me a couple choice expletives. I hope this makes sense. If not let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COBrien Posted November 29, 2018 Report Share Posted November 29, 2018 I assume we're talking about gas tube retaining pins. I've had great luck with the stainless steel, coiled and chamfered roll pins I stumbled upon on eBay -- a pack of 12 sells for, like 5-6 bucks with free shipping. Bigger bags (24+) cost only slightly more. Those pins, with a bench block designed for low-profile gas blocks (I picked up a PRI block, with punch, from DVOR for ~$10 a couple months ago) makes for short work. Good punches (roll pin holding punch, short-nose starter punch, and long-nose punch) make a world of difference, too. DVOR has a set of Grace USA punches that are of amazing quality. Finally, using a wooden toothpick to keep the gas tube aligned is a huge help. I cut one in half, push the pointed end through until the cut end is almost flush, then cut it 1/8" or so from the block on the back side. Leaves a great "slave pin", and I can re-use what's left of that half of the toothpick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmackc Posted November 29, 2018 Report Share Posted November 29, 2018 4 hours ago, Str8shooter said: I used to have issues with fighting with a gas block retaining pin. Then a long time ago I thought why not use pliers instead of trying to pound a small pin in with a punch or find a special punch to hold it slightly? So long story short, I took electrical tape to wrap the jaws of a pair of pliers to keep it smooth and leave no marks on the gas block and left a small tag hanging off where the pin could stick to it facing the hole. A very small bit of oil at the hole helps it slide in also. This seriously takes all of about a 30 sec to a minute to squeeze in. I've shown friends this trick after they tell me they have been fighting with little burrs caused by trying to force the pin in with a hammer. They sit there with there mouths hanging open and usually laugh and call me a couple choice expletives. I hope this makes sense. If not let me know. It is fake news and never happened until you post pictures of the "alleged" So called process/tool. That is the site rule #4.02. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmackc Posted November 29, 2018 Report Share Posted November 29, 2018 4 hours ago, Str8shooter said: I used to have issues with fighting with a gas block retaining pin. Then a long time ago I thought why not use pliers instead of trying to pound a small pin in with a punch or find a special punch to hold it slightly? So long story short, I took electrical tape to wrap the jaws of a pair of pliers to keep it smooth and leave no marks on the gas block and left a small tag hanging off where the pin could stick to it facing the hole. A very small bit of oil at the hole helps it slide in also. This seriously takes all of about a 30 sec to a minute to squeeze in. I've shown friends this trick after they tell me they have been fighting with little burrs caused by trying to force the pin in with a hammer. They sit there with there mouths hanging open and usually laugh and call me a couple choice expletives. I hope this makes sense. If not let me know. See rule note on next quote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Str8shooter Posted November 30, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 1 hour ago, mrmackc said: It is fake news and never happened until you post pictures of the "alleged" So called process/tool. That is the site rule #4.02. Lol. I never thought to take pictures while doing the last one but I suppose I can make a mock up for you if interested.. 3 hours ago, COBrien said: I assume we're talking about gas tube retaining pins. I've had great luck with the stainless steel, coiled and chamfered roll pins I stumbled upon on eBay -- a pack of 12 sells for, like 5-6 bucks with free shipping. Bigger bags (24+) cost only slightly more. Those pins, with a bench block designed for low-profile gas blocks (I picked up a PRI block, with punch, from DVOR for ~$10 a couple months ago) makes for short work. Good punches (roll pin holding punch, short-nose starter punch, and long-nose punch) make a world of difference, too. DVOR has a set of Grace USA punches that are of amazing quality. Finally, using a wooden toothpick to keep the gas tube aligned is a huge help. I cut one in half, push the pointed end through until the cut end is almost flush, then cut it 1/8" or so from the block on the back side. Leaves a great "slave pin", and I can re-use what's left of that half of the toothpick. Yes the gas tube retaining pin. I didn't want to buy more punch's and jigs. I'm cheap like that..?I do the toothpick hold also. I've got a poop load of electrical tape to make the pliers smooth and non-marring and always have a pliers or leatherman handy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmackc Posted November 30, 2018 Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 (edited) Okay since you put it that way....unless there is any member objections we will let you slide, not out of pity,but because there is possible value in your idea. I hope you realize I am having trouble keeping a straight face. WELCOME to the best AR308 site ever! Carry on I will be in the area until 1600 when I draw my rations of cookies and milk. Edited November 30, 2018 by mrmackc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98Z5V Posted November 30, 2018 Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 3 hours ago, mrmackc said: It is fake news and never happened until you post pictures of the "alleged" So called process/tool. That is the site rule #4.02. I like that, Mack - very well done! Combine that one with Lesson 65B, and The Rule, and it's a work of art! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Str8shooter Posted November 30, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 1 hour ago, mrmackc said: Okay since you put it that way....unless there is any member objections we will let you slide, not out of pity,but because there is possible value in your idea. I hope you realize I am having trouble keeping a straight face. WELCOME to the best AR308 site ever! Carry on I will be in the area until 1600 when I draw my rations of cookies and milk. LOL I can't tell if you're busting my balls or serious. Now I'm gonna have to slap a pin in a spare gas block tommorrow. lmao Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmackc Posted November 30, 2018 Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 Sometimes I just dick off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98Z5V Posted November 30, 2018 Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 Sometimes?... Really?... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Str8shooter Posted November 30, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Str8shooter Posted November 30, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmackc Posted November 30, 2018 Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 NOW, That is the way to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Str8shooter Posted November 30, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 Glad to help Mac. Tried to get video of inserting it but needed another set of hands. It slides right in though. As stated earlier if using a toothpick peice, it holds the gs block perfect and slides right out as the pin goes in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sketch Posted December 1, 2018 Report Share Posted December 1, 2018 ive done this method with the trigger guard pin to reduce the risk of blunt force trauma and busting a lower.. there is a few spots an an ar this works. tape and channel lock pliers ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Str8shooter Posted December 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2018 5 minutes ago, sketch said: ive done this method with the trigger guard pin to reduce the risk of blunt force trauma and busting a lower.. there is a few spots an an ar this works. tape and channel lock pliers ? exactly and no marks from a slipping hammer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sketch Posted December 1, 2018 Report Share Posted December 1, 2018 polly and brass hammer for stubborn pins. I also have a lap block.. its a 4x6 wrapped in vynal base to catch those jumping pins.. having a block on your lap also gives. yes it takes more strikes but it deadens the blow when needed. just enough... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Str8shooter Posted December 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2018 I have seen that work for people. Just doesn't work for me. Mine works simpler for me. Plus I don't like having to sit down in the middle of a project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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