newbie question- i'm on pins and needles

[rmz1]

Could someone explain to me what a roll pin is? Are there other types of pins commonly found in firearms?

 

[TyBryner]

A roll pin is basically a flat piece of metal that's "rolled" into a cylander to become a pin.

a picture here might help more than that explanation...

Roll Pin

 

[Jim V]

Well, besides firing pins you mean. LOL

Roll pins are hollow tubes with a split along one side, kind of a round spring that can be used to make up for slightly oversized holes in frames and the like. To remove a roll pin a special punch should be used of the correct diameter and having a tit that fits into the opening of the roll pin. If a regular punch is used they, sometimes, can get caught in the roll pin opening. Bad news then.

Most pins are solid and can be removed with any correct size punch. And there are some of those do not need a punch to remove them. The hammer and sear pins on a 1911 type pistol are held in place by the thumb safety and can be removed w/o a punch once the thumb safety is removed for example.


I hope this helps.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

If a regular punch is used they, sometimes, can get caught in the roll pin opening. Bad news then.

I'm quite good at snapping off the end of the punch in the hole after knocking out the pin. Really bad news. Use the proper tool for the job.

 

[Jim V]

Even worse than breaking off the tip of the pnch after getting the roll pin out is managing to drive the tip of the punch into the roll pin while it is still in the part/piece/gun or what ever, since then you are almost assured that you'll never get the punch back out and then get the roll pin out.


BTDTGTTS.

 

[4V50 Gary]

Agree w/above with addition that the roll pin is fabricated from spring steel and is designed to push outwards. This gives the pin "tension" to stay in place once inserted into the frame or slide.

 

[johnwill]

Brownells has a nice rollpin punch set, a worthwhile investment.