I am looking to change out my trigger on my S&W M&P 9c, the gas block on my AR-15 and eventually the trigger on my AR as well. To do these I'll need to knock out roll pins and regular solid pins (not sure of their technical name). I'm wondering, can I get a set of one type of punches and have it work for both types of pins? Do I need roll pin punches for roll pins? And if so, would Roll pin punches work for regular solid pins? Thanks in advance for your input.
Gunsmithing Punches Questions
- Thread starter varhunter
- Start date
AdamT
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: pyscodogGet a good set of Starett punches. Not cheap but will last forever.
This. I have a starrett drive pin punch set and they are top notch. I've assembled about a dozen or so ARs and worked on countless others and the only punch I ever damaged was the 1/16 punch. It bent due to user error.
I also have a set of Grace roll pin punches and they are really handy for those roll pins.
This. I have a starrett drive pin punch set and they are top notch. I've assembled about a dozen or so ARs and worked on countless others and the only punch I ever damaged was the 1/16 punch. It bent due to user error.
I also have a set of Grace roll pin punches and they are really handy for those roll pins.
Yes, you will want both flat punches and roll punches. Also a pointed starter punch is a good idea. Starrett, Snap-On and some others fit the bill. Cheap punches are not worth the time...get a good set and take care of them and your grandchildren will be assembling ARs with them.
varminter .223
Well-known member
Cheap punches are basically good for removing slip fit pins
only. As others stated, by once cry once.
only. As others stated, by once cry once.
Last edited:
Varminterror
New member
For roll pins, you need roll pin punches AND roll pin starters. You'll be SO HAPPY you bought them after you did.
Running roll pins with standard punches is just asking for trouble.
Roll pin starters are double ended, and cheap, AND again, well worth the price. Get a set of roll pin punches AND standard drift punches, plus a set of delrin and brass punches to boot. You'll be glad you did.
If you find yourself quibbling over the minimal cost of punches when looking at self-gunsmithing projects, then just don't do them. Or maybe not everyone is raised the way I was - if you're going to half [beeep] it and won't put in the effort to use the right tool for the job, don't do the job.
Running roll pins with standard punches is just asking for trouble.
Roll pin starters are double ended, and cheap, AND again, well worth the price. Get a set of roll pin punches AND standard drift punches, plus a set of delrin and brass punches to boot. You'll be glad you did.
If you find yourself quibbling over the minimal cost of punches when looking at self-gunsmithing projects, then just don't do them. Or maybe not everyone is raised the way I was - if you're going to half [beeep] it and won't put in the effort to use the right tool for the job, don't do the job.
Thanks guys. I probably wouldn't do the work myself if I knew of a gunsmith in town. We used to have a gunsmith with a storefront, but he went out of business. I'm sure there are guys working out of their shops or garages but I don't know any of them and I might as well save a little money and do it myself. I just don't plan on doing many more projects than what I listed and it's hard to justify $150 or whatever in punches. Might have to get back into donating plasma or something. Thanks again for the info.