gas block roll pin

AR/M4 AR Technical Discussion
1

i need some help. i just tried calling daniel defense to get the spec directly, but they are gone to SHOT until next tuesday, so no help there.

i have recently purchased a mid length 16" DD S2W barrel with the factory pinned low pro gas block, and also the equivelent gas tube from Rainier. The gas tube did not come with a roll pin for whatever reason to hold it in the gas block.

what i need to know is the spec of that roll pin that holds the gas tube in the block. my local hardware store will definately have one, but i dont know what size/length the roll pin is. can anyone help?

2

http://www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/pins.html

3

am i to assume the daniel defense pin is the same spec as the colt?

Description Quantity OAL Large End

Gas tube roll pin 1 0.312 0.081

4

I have a 100ct box waiting for me at Fastenal. 5/64" by 3/8"

5

I have a related question. I’ve seen it recommended that the gas tube roll pin should be replaced each time it’s removed.

True or false?

6

All depends on how much damage it sustains. If its not mangled beyond repair then use it.

7

That’s basically in regard to roll pins in general, regardless of what they’re used for or what size. It’s a fantastic tastes great/less filling argument that raged before we were born, and will continue until after we’re all dust. Little-known fact: World War One started over Ferdinand being an advocate of re-using roll pins, and it depopulated the continent.

I take a middle road, similar to Travis. If I remove a pin once, and it’s not all messed up, I’ll re-use. Any more than that…roll pins are cheap, and everywhere. The folks that replace a roll pin any time they remove one do so for sound reasons, though…and roll pins are still cheap.

RH, yes, the roll pin for a gas tube is standard, regardless of what roll-mark’s on the gun.

8

I’m cheaper than Mark5pt56 when it comes to those pins. :stuck_out_tongue:

I need to buy a 100 piece bag of them so I can be more liberal with replacing them…

That said… I heard Mark5pt56 could go to a gun show with a gas tube roll pin and trade his way up to a Colt 6920 in a few hours. :confused:

9

Hard to beat Fastenal (I have no financial/personal ties to them). Less than $6 otd.

10

is this what i need?

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=64033

11

You got it!

12

I am under the impression that a roll pin is a one time use thing. It may be able to get a second use, but not always. They are so cheap and plentiful why risk it. Just push a new one in. Autozone sells a roll pin kit. Just cut them to size with a dremel when I need to use them and I’m good to go.

Used one just recently on a DD gas block when the provided roll pin was way too small. Instead of contacting DD (who has enough going on) I just replaced it with one that fits and it installed perfectly.

13

Do not reuse roll pins unless necessary. Buy them in bulk from McMaster Carr.

14

If you live near Iraqgunz he’ll often give you some… but getting him to come out and play guns is like making a watch.

15

i have called around everywhere locally. the only thing that anyone has that will even come close is 2mm x 10mm. will this work?

i am just trying to avoid shipping costs on such a small part that is only a few cents.

16

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Help-12-pcs-1-2-to-1-in-roll-pin-assortment/_/N-25oo?itemIdentifier=720516_0_0_

If you’re near one - click the above link and type in your zipcode and it should tell you if they are in stock.

All assorted sizes.

I just used a dremel to cut to size as opposed to wire cutters as they will crimp and make the pin smaller as it cuts it in two.

17

I ordered 100ct of zinc coated spring pins. If anyone is in a pinch I’ll throw some in the mail.

18

Those pins are the wrong length. They are also unfinished and will rust faster than markm’s tactical entry into an LWRC thread. :smile:

19

:sarcastic:

20

Now THAT is a quotable quote :slight_smile:

I’m stealing it.

BTW… if you only need one roll pin your local True Value will have them. I have to hit mine up every once in a while when I miss my parts ordering schedules. (usually my orders are on time but supply being what it is… delivery to me is “iffy” at best)

I pay 0.39 per at TV…