AR15 Front pivot pin install(my way)

v0lcom13sn0w · Sep 28, 2016

Here's a video i made to assist those who may need help with an AR front pivot pin... this is the way ive always done it. watched a bunch of videos where guys are using purpose built tools for it,razor blades or clevice pins with holes in them...all that nonsense.

Enjoy!
(im not the best video host BTW)

Kruel J · Sep 28, 2016

Great advice! I have been using the "razor blade" technique. This makes me feel stupid!

F2CMaDMaXX · Sep 28, 2016

I have never needed to do this, thought about it, so as a result, i watch the video, and think, duh?

bolus · Sep 28, 2016

Battle Arms development pins have this little groove that makes it even easier to do the same thing

v0lcom13sn0w · Sep 28, 2016

bolus said:
Battle Arms development pins have this little groove that makes it even easier to do the same thing

View attachment 314695

dang. wish i would have thought of those!

Velzey · Sep 28, 2016

I do it this way and still manage to make the detent slip out and fly across the shop..it just happens.

v0lcom13sn0w · Sep 28, 2016

Here's the finished lower:
-80% lower
-Anderson LPK w/ stainless trigger
-JP yellow springs
-polished trigger,hammer sear and disconnector surfaces with 600,1200 and then buffed it with a buffing bit in my dremel
-phase 5 ambi bolt release v2
-spikes st-t2
-KAK industries pistol tube w/shockwave brace
-Hexmag grip (i had to modify it to fit correctly. -.5pt for hexmag. not a big deal)
-Hexmag mag
-Ergo end plate w/dual sling mount
-BCM enhanced trigger guard

-i also tapped the rear take down pin hole to 4-40 and added a 4-40x1/8set screw to capture the detent/spring in the lower. Aero does this to their lowers. you have to cut the length of the set screw out of the spring. its not necessary to do this but i like the idea of the spring not flying out when the end plate is off.

Caveman Jim · Sep 28, 2016

Nice Job!!!

I just need to pony up and get the router & jig for mine...

v0lcom13sn0w · Sep 28, 2016

Velzey said:
I do it this way and still manage to make the detent slip out and fly across the shop..it just happens.

what you dont see in the video is a huge magnet against the wall of my garage to catch it... kidding.

i actually usually do it behind an open gallon zip lock bag so when it does slip it would go into the bag. i was feelin froggy today and didnt do all that.

v0lcom13sn0w · Sep 28, 2016

Caveman Jim said:
Nice Job!!!
I just need to pony up and get the router & jig for mine...

me too. this one belongs to a friend and was like "here's a finished 80, money so you can order me good parts...do your thing!"

BrentN · Nov 14, 2016

Have done 2, didn't need any tools for the front pivot pin. Now, the roll pin for the bolt catch-that's a different story. Vice, or a 3rd hand recommended. Or be cheap and stubborn like me and use your lap and a lot of cussing.

Also, not to stray too far off topic, but I've noticed some folks 80 lowers seem to have a loose selector switch. This happened on both of my builds- there was a piece of aluminum in the selector detent hole, preventing the detent pin from getting all the way into the groove in the selector switch. Just clear out the hole with a punch before assembly.

v0lcom13sn0w · Nov 14, 2016

BrentN said:
Have done 2, didn't need any tools for the front pivot pin. Now, the roll pin for the bolt catch-that's a different story. Vice, or a 3rd hand recommended. Or be cheap and stubborn like me and use your lap and a lot of cussing.

Also, not to stray too far off topic, but I've noticed some folks 80 lowers seem to have a loose selector switch. This happened on both of my builds- there was a piece of aluminum in the selector detent hole, preventing the detent pin from getting all the way into the groove in the selector switch. Just clear out the hole with a punch before assembly.

yeah i had to clean up the selector switch detent hole for the detent to go all the way down. i just used a dremel to clean it up.

HB of CJ · Nov 23, 2016

We locked the lower into a nice padded bench vise kinda tight, then use a handy small thin knife blade to push in and hold that pesky detent pin. Then the take down pin easily slides home.

Do not forget the handy very thin grocery story clear vege bag containment field to contain that eventual flying detent pin. Pesky bugger. Eventually it will fly away and always get lost somewhere.

Good video. You need to lock down the receiver. Most casual builders will not have our skill level. Respectfully. Hundreds of builds, uncounted many rebuilds. Thank you for sharing.

v0lcom13sn0w · Nov 23, 2016

HB of CJ said:
We locked the lower into a nice padded bench vise kinda tight, then use a handy small thin knife blade to push in and hold that pesky detent pin. Then the take down pin easily slides home.

Do not forget the handy very thin grocery story clear vege bag containment field to contain that eventual flying detent pin. Pesky bugger. Eventually it will fly away and always get lost somewhere.

Good video. You need to lock down the receiver. Most casual builders will not have our skill level. Respectfully. Hundreds of builds, uncounted many rebuilds. Thank you for sharing.

thanks man! yeah, i dont own a lower vise block. i have no need for one! i cannot count how many AR type rifles ive built.