Roll Pins Made Easy

by
posted on March 23, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
diy2015_fs.jpg (4)

Roll pins, commonly used in AR-pattern rifles and in many other modern guns, are larger in diameter than the holes in which they are designed to fit. So, when they're being tapped in, they have to compress slightly around their circumference, either lessening the gap between their butted edges or tightening their overlap, depending on the design. Either way there are several tips that can help make their installation easier.

1. Use small pliers to hold them with the support hand. Parallel-jaw pliers are excellent since their jaws, unlike those of regular pliers, do not form a V that can shoot the pin across the room once force is applied.

2. Put a small dab of grease on the tapered end of the pin-often one end is more blunt-before beginning to tap it in.

3. Use a roll pin punch. It has a small projection on its face that will keep the punch centered on the roll pin as the pin is tapped in.

4. Once everything is aligned, make the first tap a smart one. If the pin starts, give a couple more taps before letting go of the pliers. Then, once it's securely in the hole, finish tapping it in, checking its protrusion on the other side as it nears a flush condition. As inexpensive as roll pins are, and considering how critical their function often is, consider using new pins when rebuilding a gun. That way, you can be confident they will retain full tension.

Latest

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view
Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum

One of Smith & Wesson's recent additions to its M&P handgun line is the M&P 22 Magnum, and there's a lot more going on in this gun, technologically, than it appears at first glance.

New For 2025: Beretta BRX1 Ranch

Beretta has expanded its BRX1 straight-pull action into a "ranch rifle" configuration, providing a handy, lightweight platform that still includes some of the groundbreaking features of the original BRX1 rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.