Lower build

[gomer pyle]

this is probably small to most but i just built my first lower. everything went smooth with no scratches. the only problem was i lost the detent spring for the take down pin. i was proud to get the "hard" one in and then lost the other while putting to buffer tube on.

[Guest Riciticky]

I always use a bucket with a rag in bottom for the hard spring. Also you can get a gate latch with holes in it at tractor suppy to help you out.

[mikegideon]

The hard one ain't so hard if you use the box cutter trick. I've built 7 or 8, and haven't launched one yet.

[173rdABN]

Box cutter blades work amazing. I use my pocket knife as well. Couldn't even tell you how many I've build doing that

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I think a lot of folks have launched those springs at least once. You ain't alone. I've put a few dozen together and it can be

a recurring nightmare. My pocket knife has saved me several times.

[gomer pyle]

I used my pocket knife on the hard one but got in a hurry for the last one. Oh well, i didn't scratch or brake anything, that's doing good for me.

[173rdABN]

i lost a buffer retainer in my man cave, still cant find it, just flew out somewhere. ive searched high and lower for it repeatedly. months later, still nothing. 

[whitewolf001]

The hard one ain't so hard if you use the box cutter trick. I've built 7 or 8, and haven't launched one yet.

 

I use a putty knife.

[Dolomite_supafly]

I have probably lost dozens of them over the years.

 

I have threatened for years to make a detent tool to make installing the front detent foold proof. I have a design floating around in my head I think will work.

[mikegideon]

I have probably lost dozens of them over the years.

 

I have threatened for years to make a detent tool to make installing the front detent foold proof. I have a design floating around in my head I think will work.

 

The regular tool is only like 5 bucks at Brownell's, and is pretty cool. It's just a rod the same size as the pin with a hole in it. You push the spring and detent through with a punch, and then turn it 1/4 turn. Then you push the takedown pin in and push the tool out, just like a slave pin. I just never thought about getting one when I had an order coming from them. And, a blade works so well.

Edited August 31, 2013 by mikegideon

[Clod Stomper]

I use a 1/4" punch inserted from the "driver's" side. Push the spring and detent in and capture it with the punch. Then push the punch back through with the pivot pin, holding them tightly together. Works well and I haven't lost a part using this method.

[Dolomite_supafly]

The regular tool is only like 5 bucks at Brownell's, and is pretty cool. It's just a rod the same size as the pin with a hole in it. You push the spring and detent through with a punch, and then turn it 1/4 turn. Then you push the takedown pin in and push the tool out, just like a slave pin. I just never thought about getting one when I had an order coming from them. And, a blade works so well.

They stole my idea. Seriously, I never knew it existed.

[mikegideon]

They stole my idea. Seriously, I never knew it existed.

 

I seriously thought about throwing one in my cart when I was buying parts for this current build. The knife just works so well that I passed on it. I even bought roll pin starters and a bolt disassembly tool this time around.

[JGunner]

The regular tool is only like 5 bucks at Brownell's, and is pretty cool. It's just a rod the same size as the pin with a hole in it. You push the spring and detent through with a punch, and then turn it 1/4 turn. Then you push the takedown pin in and push the tool out, just like a slave pin. I just never thought about getting one when I had an order coming from them. And, a blade works so well.

I did my first build a year ago, and I went ahead and picked up this tool while ordering my punches. Also used it to help a friend build his lower. Worked as advertised.

[mikegideon]

I did my first build a year ago, and I went ahead and picked up this tool while ordering my punches. Also used it to help a friend build his lower. Worked as advertised.

 

No doubt it's the safest way to do it. I've just had such good luck with a blade, that I haven't felt the need. If I had it, I would use it. The blade works well, but there is a pucker factor :)

[Oh Shoot]

No doubt it's the safest way to do it. I've just had such good luck with a blade, that I haven't felt the need. If I had it, I would use it. The blade works well, but there is a pucker factor :)

 

I've used the razor knife blade for my three, seen on a YouTube vid when I tackled first one, works fine. Doubt if I would have thunk of that myself, at least right off the bat.

 

I've also used a large clear plastic bag working on stuff that can fly away. Most of the time, anyway. I did lose a buffer retainer spring somehow or another once. I mean, like gone forever, too.

 

- OS

Edited August 31, 2013 by Oh Shoot

[mikegideon]

Yep. If you do it right, they launch themselves into another dimension :)

[orientalexpress]

The regular tool is only like 5 bucks at Brownell's, and is pretty cool. It's just a rod the same size as the pin with a hole in it. You push the spring and detent through with a punch, and then turn it 1/4 turn. Then you push the takedown pin in and push the tool out, just like a slave pin. I just never thought about getting one when I had an order coming from them. And, a blade works so well.

you can go to the hardware store and buy a $1 clevis pin that works just as well similar to one in the link . http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Clevis-Pin-2MVF2?Pid=search