DIY AR pivot pin install tool

KalamaMark · Mar 17, 2016

Have a lower build planned? Don't necessarily want to buy a specialty tool you might use just once?

Build your own Front Pivot Pin install pin for less than a buck.

clearconscience · Mar 17, 2016

Thank You!

That is the worst part!

I gotta say I've been so lucky to shoot those springs and pins every where and always find it or have a backup.

Always order extra!

PiratePast40 · Mar 17, 2016

I used the blade of a utility knife to hold the spring & detent pin in place while pushing an allen wrench through the lugs. Then displaced the allen wrench with the pivot pin.

And not only was I good, once, at finding the sproinged pin and spring, I also discovered why they sell "oops kits".

erudne · Mar 17, 2016

Maybe it's because when I was 13 years old I had a basic understanding of Newtonian theory or maybe it was because I was not a Blooming idiot...this was never an issue

Brutus57 · Mar 17, 2016

Get a clevis pin from Home Depot about the right diameter, they have several holes that are perfect....a little sanding down to ensure a good fit and voila. You don't need to "build" one. I'll go out to the garage in the AM and take a photo of mine. You get like 4 in a pack for maybe $2.00. Don't make it harder than it is. I did this on my first build, worked first time, damn near like magic after reading all the horror stories and I have big hands, though very steady, they don't alway like little bitty parts fitment.

Brutus Out

Member 34319 · Mar 18, 2016

I've built lots of AR lowers. I never needed a tool for the front pivot pin. I just used the take down pin to push the spring and detent pin down till I could slide the pivot pin inwards. Takes all of 3-5 seconds.

Koda · Mar 18, 2016

808hondacrguy · Mar 21, 2016

I use a 1/4"? clevis pin I had laying around and I made the push pin part by straightening a paper clip and inserting it in the end of a wood dowel. cost me all of $0 and has worked on many ar builds and mods for years.

Brutus57 · Mar 21, 2016

The clevis I use has four holes, but same principle and results.

Brutus Out

tarster · Mar 22, 2016

I just use a box knife to hold it down, there is enough slack under the pin for the knife and then after the pin is in I pull the knife out, put 7 ar's together that way, works every time. no need for custom tools.