roll pin removal and install, tools required?

[roylt]

Hi Guys,
I tried to change the front sight on one of my P-guns. This has two 1/16" roll pins holding it on.

Well turns out my pin punch is not very good. I got one at the local hardware store and the very end is the right diameter but it tapers out a little and starts to bind after about an 1/8th inch depth.

I got the pin started out and finished with a small nail.

Then going back in the roll pin hung up and started to uncoil. Is there a special tool used to put these back in?

Post a picture please.

Also any and all comments are welcomed.

Thanks,

 

[44shootist]

They make what they call a roll pin punch, little bit different than the regular pin punch, don't know how to explain it, outer edge is flat to push the pin out, but has a center part that sticks out to go inside the middle of the pin to keep it from slipping off the pin, think mine came from Sears if I remember correct?

 

[lipofsky]

I do not have a picture but many roll pins actually have a slight taper to them. I have "uncoiled" several in my haste to install one (backwards) in some piece of machinery and some of those were in the .188 size or .250, I think it would be hard to see a taper on a short 1/16 but I have learned to give them a slight roll if the pins rolls straight then no taper but if it turns then double check it.
just my thoughts.

 

[roylt]

They make what they call a roll pin punch, little bit different than the regular pin punch, don't know how to explain it, outer edge is flat to push the pin out, but has a center part that sticks out to go inside the middle of the pin to keep it from slipping off the pin, think mine came from Sears if I remember correct?

These pins are so small there really isn't any room inside for any type of guide rod. .062 diameter.

 

[roylt]

I do not have a picture but many roll pins actually have a slight taper to them. I have "uncoiled" several in my haste to install one (backwards) in some piece of machinery and some of those were in the .188 size or .250, I think it would be hard to see a taper on a short 1/16 but I have learned to give them a slight roll if the pins rolls straight then no taper but if it turns then double check it.
just my thoughts.

These are 1/16 diameter and about 3/8 long. Most likely operator error. This was my first time trying this.

My plan is to fix the diameter of the pin punch and try again on another front sight. I figure if I make the punch .060 diameter I'll have better luck.

Appreciate the replies guys.

 

[44shootist]

They make what they call a roll pin punch, little bit different than the regular pin punch, don't know how to explain it, outer edge is flat to push the pin out, but has a center part that sticks out to go inside the middle of the pin to keep it from slipping off the pin, think mine came from Sears if I remember correct?

These pins are so small there really isn't any room inside for any type of guide rod. .062 diameter.

Yah I know there tiny, but so is the tip on the roll-pin punch, promise you it will work if you can find one the right size.

 

[roylt]

I'll google it right now, Thanks.

 

[mike7mm08]

As with anything use the right tool for the job. As posted above you want a roll pin punch. Makes things much easier. Anytime I change out anything that uses a small pin especially a roll pin I replace the pin with a new one. Even with the proper tool it is easy to deform the pin when you remove it. New pin saves lots of headaches.

 

[flatgate]

I try to install those roll pins via a vice and NOT a punch and hammer.

flatgate

 

[roylt]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the pointers. I really only need one punch but found a set for 15 bucks so I may go that route but I want to look local first.

Flatgate,
I was thinking that during the surgury but couldn't figure a good way to safe guard the slides finish.

Really do appreciate all the replies. This forum is really one of the nices places around. The only other one that I go to a lot is for ZX6E's.

RoyLT

 

[44shootist]

Yah I had to buy a whole set also when I needed only one, let us know how it works out.

 

[Pinecone]

You can get a cheap set from Harbor Freight, Enco, Loews, etc. however, it doesn't have the real "small" punch you want. The "Grace Set" from Brownell's does! Brownell's Roll Pin Punch Set has some small punches but it is quite expensive. My advice, get the Grace set. It's served me well for many years.................Dick :wink:

 

[roylt]

Hi Dick,
Just checked Brownell's out.

So do you think I need
Roll Pin Holders Set PN:080-685-000 AND
7 roll pin Punch Set PN:354-000-025

Do you use the holder type? My standard pin punch worked fine pushing the old pin out I just had trouble getting it back in.

Appreciate the help guys,
Roy
P.S. I'm not a gunsmith and doubt I ever will be. I am also very cheap so keep that in mind. If you still feel I would be best suited with a good set then I will probably get it.

 

[mike7mm08]

The holder aids in getting the pin back in. It allows you to start the pin you need the punch to drive it home. In a perfect world I would get both sets. But you can do it with just the pin punch.

 

[roylt]

Do any of you know of GRIP brand?
9 Pc Forged Steel Roll Pin Punch Set
$20.00

Are they any good? Or should I keep looking?

 

[Pinecone]

Grip brand is also a cheap set and lacks the small punch. It does in a pinch but personally, working on thousands of guns over the years, I like the "best" tools I can find or make. You can certainly push out a roll pin with a regular punch but look at what a "roll pin" is. It's a sectioned piece of "spring" steel that expands against the inside of the hole to make a tight fit. When you drive in a roll pin with a regular punch, you tend to expand the pin as it goes in and it goes in "hard", versus using a pointed roll pin punch. Starter pins work well to a point and are easily made if you have a lathe or drill press. Simply turn a stepped pin for the inside and outside diameter of the roll pin your using. With a drill press, you have to use files and continually measure your diameters so it's not as easily done!....................Dick :wink:

 

[roylt]

Thanks again guys. I guess at this point I will look local so I can actually check these out first hand. If I can find then local. Then decide.

I really only plan on doing six 1/16" pins in my life but you never know, maybe this gun hobbie will turn into something in the future. I like tinkering on my guns but most of the things I do are just swapping parts at this point or modding grips with Ruger medalions.

Brownell's is here in Iowa but I don't think they have any stores just mail order.

 

[Pinecone]

It's been a very long time since I was there, but you used to be able to walk right into Brownell.s in Montezuma and order whatever across the counter. I stopped by there many years ago and Bob Brownell took my wife and I on a tour of the whole facility while my parts order was being filled. Maybe things have changed since the old fella' passed. Check with your local Industrial Supply for those roll pin sets. They usually carry the good stuff!.......................Dick :wink:

 

[georgem]

Put the roll pin in the chuck of a Dremel tool and while spinning taper one end to ~ 45Deg. with a fine file. George M.

 

[Track14]

where are you all getting new roll pins? i am pretty sure the front pin in a Super Blackhawk is tapered and it only removes from one direction. Ruger is from one direction and S&W is opposite. With the Alaskan the pin is not in a flat surface so clamping a tool to push the sight pin into the barrel is not possible or have i been looking at the wrong tools?

 

[contender]

The best way to get roll pins is to try a nut & bolt supply house. Or maybe call Ruger & ask for one.

And to PROPERLY remove or install a roll pin,, most folks use a gunsmith block to cradle & secure the gun.

 

[Track14]

The best way to get roll pins is to try a nut & bolt supply house. Or maybe call Ruger & ask for one.

And to PROPERLY remove or install a roll pin,, most folks use a gunsmith block to cradle & secure the gun.

I have a very good soft jawed vice that holds the guns securely. I just will give Ruger a call to get some more roll pins. Do they drift out from the left? I think that was what I heard somewhere.

 

[Mobuck]

A 'pin starter' is a wonderful tool.
Guess I've NEVER seen a tapered 'roll pin'.
If buying replacement pins, try to find 'coiled' pins rather than the el-cheapo 'spring pins'