Waiting on funds to complete my build.
Decided to switch out my BM A2 upper with a flat top from BCM(too much time on my hands). Taking the steel punch to the taper pins, they are @#@$%$ on there!
Any trick to getting off stubborn pins, or do I just keep pounding and hope for the best?
Thanks
Are you drifting them the right direction? (Just asking)
Are you removing the FSB just to do an upper swap- if so stop- If there is no rail involved this isn’t necessary- just punch out the gas tube roll pin, remove the gas tube, and spin off the nut- all using proper tools of course.
Going left to right, the left side of the pin appears to be smaller than the right side.
left: .130
right .150
Search for “taper pin starter” on the Brownells website.
Thanks…
No rail switch, drop-in MI rifle length, just removing the tube makes a lot of sense.
Brownells also sells this handy bench block for driving FSB pins:
As has been mentioned already…
Make sure you are drifting from the correct side.
Use a bigger hammer.
Or just remove the gas tube and barrel nut. 
-RD62
In addition Bushamster pins can be a pain in the ass. I recommend putting Kroil or other lubricant onto the FSB to loosen them up.
This is definately a pain.
Drove out the gas tube roll pin, thinking the tube should just slide out, fat chance! I don’t want to risk damaging the gas tube trying to get it out. Feels like its welded into the FSB even after soaking it in Breakfree. Put the pin back in and will go back to pounding on the taper pins. Got some “Liquid Wrench” penetrating oil on the little demons.
Good learning experience to say the least… I will get those muthas off.
Thanks for the help!
Oh, oh, here comes the Binford 6000.
Kroil is a must. I use a 12 ton press. It works great.
Mike
What kind of press? Where do you get one?
I’ve been a big fan of PB Blaster for a while now, I’ve used it on stubborn, painted in pins before. It’s like magic.
I also use PB Blaster for killing spiders:p It does it all;)
I have a cheap harbor freight press. It gets the job done. Make sure that the barrel and FSB is properly supported.
Mike
Thank Mike. Is it like this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=1667
I’ve tried using a bench vice before with my brownells FSB Block, but could never get it supported and braced enough to actually press with any force. Plus, you can’t get a full length punch into the vice to press with.
Mine is very similar. Go slow and make sure that the barrel and FSB is properly supported.
Mike
A new gas tube costs less than $9. A screwed up FSB is a lot more than that.
I’m going to assume you removed the BCG before you tried to slide the gas tube out of the FSB. If it’s truly stuck, I’d just cut the tube in half and yank it out with a pair of pliers. Then swap uppers and insert a new gas tube.
Hell of a lot easier than what you’re trying to do.
redyak,
why are you taking that sight base off?
the gas tube is the expendable part.
it can be done, but taking the base off when not necessary
is a bad idea.
even with the press, it might not be worthwhile.