Installing trigger guard - what punches do I need?

[Buncheong]

There are two as I recall, a starter and then another.

Don’t own anything but a Glock punch, and will need to order these for my OEM Colt.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[CrowCommand]

I just picked one of these sets up:

https://www.wheelertools.com/gunsmithing-tools/wrenches-and-screwdrivers/ar-15-roll-pin-install-tool-kit/952636.html#start=1

It comes with most all of the punches to put together an AR, and a special tool for the trigger guard that presses the pin in, instead of hammering on the ears.

[Steve Shannon]

For an AR, if you’re only doing the trigger group (that’s what I guess you meant by TG - my apologies if I guessed wrong), you really don’t need any punches to install either the trigger pin or hammer pin. In fact, trying to pound them in may damage your receiver.
Just work the direction of the pin by pushing the hammer or trigger until it pushes in by hand. The pins are meant to slide in easily (placing a coin against the pin and pressing the coin can help) and the springs operate against grooves in the pins to prevent them from sliding through and out. Just make sure the legs snap into the grooves and you’ve got the springs installed correctly.
Where a long pin or punch can help is to hold everything aligned while starting either pin, but I’ve never needed that.


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[mark5pt56]

While a picture or two may help in regards to the hammer pin install, try this

If you need something to push with, use any plastic object to simply start or finish the pins. The trigger pin can simply be pushed in, insuring the disconnecter is aligned. Once the trigger/disco is installed, the hammer/pin.

Make sure the spring is oriented properly, lay the legs over the trigger pin, start the hammer pin(I like from the left) press it in until stops against the inner wall of the lower on the right side STOP!
Now take your left hand, take the thumb and place it behind and under the hammer hook, you notice the nice scalloped area? Take you point finger and place into the mag well, using those two digits as they are(pincers) pinch together as you look at the hammer pin from the right side and you will see it align with the hole, use your right point finger to press it in as you pinch the hammer downward and toward mag well.
Once you do this, correctly, you will see it's easy as a cheap date-you just need to get there

What will help is when doing the hammer pin, start with the smooth end of the pin so you don't have to bypass the J spring with one of the retaining rings of the pin.

[17K]

You don’t need punches for trigger and hammer pins. Get ‘em most of the way in and just tap ‘em the rest of the way with the back end of a plastic screwdriver handle, preferably rounded.

I highly recommend using a trigger guard roll pin press for the trigger guard roll pin. I got a Little Crow one years ago and it was worth every penny.

[Buncheong]

Please accept my humble apology - I meant to say trigger guard. My carbine came without one (Colt OEM).

I apologize for the confusion, my choice of “TG” in the title was a poor one.

[everready73]

A pair of Knipex pliers works good for the trigger guard.

[the AR-15 Junkie]

Please accept my humble apology - I meant to say trigger guard. My carbine came without one (Colt OEM).

I apologize for the confusion, my choice of “TG” in the title was a poor one.

Which Colt did you buy a OEM1 or OEM2? Thats the only Colts I know of that dont come with trigger Guards.

As someone mentioned Little Crow pusher works great (I have one also) but may be pricey for just 1 install. The Knipex pliars works great also, have those.

I find that Stainless Steel spiral roll pins work better that old steel split pins, easier to install.

[munchie3409]

Wheeler makes an awesome product for installing trigger guard. Buy it and never use a punch again to install a trigger guard.

[titsonritz]

I'm not sure what the aversion is with trigger guard roll pin, I've never had an issue using a 1/8" roll pin holder (https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/roll-pin-holders-prod781.aspx) to start the pin and 1/8" roll pin punch (https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/roll-pin-punches-prod5551.aspx) to drive it home. Installing the grip, even temporarily, will prevent rolling over the lower and snapping the ear off.

[ViniVidivici]

Be sure and support the ear underneath, seen a dumb dude break one of those off once.

[AndyLate]

Installing the grip, even temporarily, will prevent rolling over the lower and snapping the ear off.

Thats good advice. I have been installing the trigger guard as one of the first steps and this would have saved some time/frustration.

I also use blue painters tape to prevent scratching.

Andy

[m1a_scoutguy]

I have this set along with the Wheeler set but that Little Crow pin pusher looks like a nice addition to the tool box.
https://obsidianarms.com/product/complete-ar-15-armorers-punch-set-12-piece/?sfw=pass1611084050

[motor51]

In a pinch I’ve used a nail and hammer to push out the roll pin, it’s not overly complicated.


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[Buncheong]

I'm not sure what the aversion is with trigger guard roll pin, I've never had an issue using a 1/8" roll pin holder (https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/roll-pin-holders-prod781.aspx) to start the pin and 1/8" roll pin punch (https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/roll-pin-punches-prod5551.aspx) to drive it home. Installing the grip, even temporarily, will prevent rolling over the lower and snapping the ear off.

I bought these ^

Almost bought a starter punch, but didn’t - do I need it?

[titsonritz]

I bought these ^

Almost bought a starter punch, but didn’t - do I need it?

No, not for an install and it is debatable whether they are needed at all for that specific pin. Their intended purpose is to break loose a stubborn pin, their shorter shaft will not bend as easily as a regular punch. I typical just use standard pin punches to remove with roll pin punches and holder to install. The only time I've really found use for a starter punch is the gas tube pin.

[Bushytale]

I use channel lock pliers of an appropriate size. Put some duct tape on the jaws and press the pin in. Driving that pin in with a punch is asking for trouble.

[titsonritz]

Driving that pin in with a punch is asking for trouble.

Only if you do it wrong.

[DwayneZ]

Use a threaded guard instead. ;)

[ssc]

I have used a roll pin starter punch and finish with a punch. Never had an issue. I did buy a pusher tool that works great.
WHEELER ENGINEERING - DELTA SERIES AR TRIGGER GUARD INSTALLATION TOOL

Brownells has them for $28.

Cheers, Steve

[Mysteryman]

Only if you do it wrong.

Far less risk using pliers.

[Buncheong]

Far less risk using pliers.

Does the pin get crushed when you use pliers?

[titsonritz]

Far less risk using pliers.

I've seen plenty of people slipping with their pliers and buggering up their lower. The ears are not broken off from using a hammer and punch, they get broken from the the receiver not being supported and rolling over, causing the ear to snap off.

[ACE31]

Use a punch block or wooden piece for ear support and a roll pin punch. Its not rocket science folks, if you cannot install a roll pin perhaps you need to consider another hobby. Sheeze!

[Mysteryman]

Does the pin get crushed when you use pliers?

Not at all. It provides constant force and the pin slips right in.


I've seen plenty of people slipping with their pliers and buggering up their lower. The ears are not broken off from using a hammer and punch, they get broken from the the receiver not being supported and rolling over, causing the ear to snap off.

I've seen plenty of people smash off ears with a hammer and punch. Squeezing a pair of pliers is far more controlled than swinging a hammer at a small punch.

[Dennis]

I got fancy Knipex pliers just for this, but have installed dozens the old way. I think this issue was more pronounced with GI trigger guards that didn't fully support the lower ears. Aftermarket ones are pretty beefy nowadays and fill the space much tighter so if you tape it in place during install there is much less chance of ear breakage from tapping a pin in.

Dennis.

[zpglass]

I got fancy Knipex pliers just for this, but have installed dozens the old way. I think this issue was more pronounced with GI trigger guards that didn't fully support the lower ears. Aftermarket ones are pretty beefy nowadays and fill the space much tighter so if you tape it in place during install there is much less chance of ear breakage from tapping a pin in.

Dennis.

Greatest pliers ever made!


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[JB2000]

I’ve used the Wheeler Engineering tool a few times and damaged the finish on my lowers trying to get the pin all the way in. I’ve started using it to get the pin most of the way in and then finishing with a punch.

[Diamondback]

I’ve used the Wheeler Engineering tool a few times and damaged the finish on my lowers trying to get the pin all the way in. I’ve started using it to get the pin most of the way in and then finishing with a punch.

The trick I've started doing is put blue-tape on the ears, use the tool to punch a pilot hole through the tape on one side and then push the pin through.

[Tony617]

I have this gizmo to help me install the trigger guard roll pin. I put a bit layer of blue painters tape on the lower first. I bought this several years ago from Brownell’s. It can be used to push the roll pin out as well.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210206/9603aa1100112c63bb8d227870763c4b.jpg

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/ar-15-trigger-guard-roll-pin-pusher-prod55709.aspx

[SOTAR]

Parallel Pliers like Knipex are not optimal. The good ones cost more than the right tools for the job.

[Vegas]

I have one broken ear way back from not knowing what I was doing. Lesson learnt. Support it in the right areas. Have installed plenty now and have never boogered the surface, no tape needed. Nobody needs to swing a hammer, light taps with a little lube on the pin, pin hole and a roll pin starter punch and you are good to go. Once started, short sharp strikes with the punch drive it in with no fuss. It’s not that hard to do. Just be methodical.

[Buncheong]

* warning *

Inexperienced stupid sh#t follows.

Had the lower supported and correct punches ready. Oiled everything good, installed trigger guard on mag side where the detent pin goes and pivoted it out of the way (mistake).

Tapped the roll pin and was slow-but-steady driving it through when I realized - oh crap. I forgot to pivot the TG into place.

Roll pin was about 1/4 way through. Flipped receiver over and supported the ear, and drove the roll pin back out just enough to slide the trigger guard into place. Resumed tap/tap/tapping it through.

Trigger guard installed (KAC) and it looks ok, but if it try to depress the detent pin and see if it moves freely, it won’t budge. It’s in there tight on that side.

I have been told never to re-use a roll pin. Once I realized my goof, would it have been a better idea just to drive the pin out out and start over with a fresh new roll pin?

Apologies for the retarded questions.

[Buncheong]

Pics ...

http://i.imgur.com/DZx3ytV.jpg (https://imgur.com/DZx3ytV)

http://i.imgur.com/6kYiAho.jpg (https://imgur.com/6kYiAho)

[georgeib]

Pics ...

http://i.imgur.com/DZx3ytV.jpg (https://imgur.com/DZx3ytV)

http://i.imgur.com/6kYiAho.jpg (https://imgur.com/6kYiAho)

Looks good to me. The reason it won't pivot is because that's likely a non pivotinting trigger guard. A lot of the extended trigger guards aren't designed to pivot as they figure there's enough room in there for a gloved finger.

[joedirt199]

I use taped over channel locks. Start big and give a little squeeze. Next notch in, squeeze, next notch... till flush with the receiver. Use a punch to get that little bit more to seat pin below the hole.

[DG23]

Pics ...

http://i.imgur.com/DZx3ytV.jpg (https://imgur.com/DZx3ytV)

http://i.imgur.com/6kYiAho.jpg (https://imgur.com/6kYiAho)


Damn. You ruined that rifle for sure with that work. Forget about ever being able to get warranty service on it either. The factory is going to spot those alterations and you will be hosed.


I am feeling generous though and don't mind beater guns at all. Will give you 20 bucks for it to take it off your hands but you will need to cover the shipping. I may be generous but I am not stupid! LOL! :)