re: Official AR-15 thread

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Do I need the entire set of is there only 1 or 2 sizes across the entire lower?

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It just depends on how you intend to proceed. There are only 2 roll pins on the lower - the bolt catch and the trigger guard. The bolt catch was a royal PITA for me. I'm apparently not very good at driving roll pins.

The bolt catch is 3/32". The trigger guard is 1/8". If you're going to use a special pivot pin tool, I don't think you need a separate pin punch for that. The magazine release goes on without a punch.

I didn't use a punch at all for the trigger or hammer pins, but you will need a non-marring hammer for that. If you want to use a punch to hold the hammer or trigger in place while you start the pin from the other side, it is a 5/32", but those aren't roll pins. Those are solid, machined pins.

You don't need any special tools for the extension/buffer tube, except for a way to tighten the castle nut (armorer's wrench or multitool) and stake it (spring-loaded punch, most likely).

So, unless I'm missing something, that's it. 3/32" and 1/8" (and holders, presumably to start them) to drive the actual roll pins and a 5/32" for the trigger and hammer pins (but just to hold the trigger components in place, not to drive). The 1/16" is one of those "nice to have" while working with certain parts of the lower, but I certainly didn't miss it. I didn't even need the 5/32" the way my parts kit and procedure went. Trigger was the second easiest part of the operation (after the pivot pin which is laughably easy with the special Wheeler tool - apparently it is one of the toughest part of the assembly if you're just using tape and punches). Well, to be fair, the magazine release was pretty easy, too. The only things I had bad problems were the bolt catch and the castle nut. Both operator error/inexperience, though. I dinged up the armorer wrench AND the castle nut trying to torque it.


And a non-marring hammer is essential, not optional, IMHO, because of the trigger.

My next build, I'm going to use Knipex pliers to do most of the work on both roll pins and just finish it flush with the correct punch.