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Can't remove roll pins from gas block..

8K views 11 replies 9 participants last post by  DarkStorm  
#1 ·
I'm trying to get the roll pins out of the gas block to replace the hand guard and they are not budging!!
You guys have any tips?
 
#3 ·
Make sure you are driving them out the correct direction as Heartless mentioned. I also start them with the biggest punch I have so I can give them a good whack before moving to a smaller punch the will drive them all the way out.
 
#5 ·
If you don't get them moving right away, you might mushroom the heads and effectively turn them into rivets.... Look hard and figure out which way the taper is (brain freeze on this, I can never remember which way)

It helps if you grind a 'cup' on the end of your punch to match the rounded end of the pins.

I've had better luck with a lighter hammer many times with things like this... gets a faster sharper hit than a heavier slower hammer.

BTW - they're solid, which is not a "roll pin". (and Roll pins are best done with a roll pin punch)
 
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#6 ·
Yup, mine are tapered from right to left, so from ejection side to bolt catch side.
I have not been able to get them moving, IDK if it's the way S&W manufactures their uppers or what because I've never had this problem before. It's getting late now so I'll give it another try over the weekend.
And good point parashooter, you're definitely right on that one.

Thanks guys
 
#8 ·
Great...... Lol
Thanks for the heads up
 
#11 ·
You have to apply the Navy's philosophy on making things move: If doesn't move and it should use a hammer. If it still doesn't move, use a bigger hammer.

All joking aside, if the head of the pin has mushroomed you may have to grind them down a bit.
 
#12 ·
This is the single hardest task to do on the AR platform. Your S&W is machine pressed. I will tell you I have tried many times on M&P 15's and only been successful on a few. Usually a dremel needs to get involved and basically cut it off. Not pretty.