Tools for removing barrel pins?

[TobJohn]

Is any type of 1/16 punch sufficient for removing barrel pins? Can normal needle nose pliers be used or should a certain type of plier be used for pulling the pins out?

Thanks!

 

[nchawkeye]

I made a punch from a finishing nail, file off the point, tap so the pin is about 1/4 inch away from the stock and pull out with a pair of pliers..

 

[64Springer]

Plain needle nose pliers will work fine if that's all you have. Just as long as there's enough meat to grab onto. Gently twisting the pin will help with removal.

And remember to peen the tips of your pliers before starting to remove the pins. Sorry. Kidding. Couldn't help myself.

Thinking of another pin peening thread.

 

[user 34300]

It is a good idea to make sure the pins sit below flush of the wood. That gives a guide to your punch. I strongly suggest a hardened steel punch is used. IF you use soft steel it will likely bend and damage the stock. IF your pins are loose it does not matter so much.

 

[TDM]

Agree with what @nchawkeye and @Scota@4570 said. A cheap 1/16" punch will bend after 1 or 2 pins then break soon after. I've used finish nails in a pinch too. I have a good quality hardened tapered punch that does well.

 

[Davey Boy]

You can buy a nice set of pin punches on Amazon

It's cheaper to buy the set than buy just the size you want

 

[Davey Boy]

On the old rifle I have from ~1850, the barrel pins were square and made tapered round at one end

So if you tried to drive them out the wrong way it would ruin wood, pin, and barrel retention tab

Proceed with caution

 

[pacanis]

I like using a 1/16" punch, but it's usually not long enough to get all the way through. This is where the pliers come in hand. Especially if they have a flat area so they don't put grooves in your pins.
Roll spring punches also work and are usually a bit longer.

 

[chorizo]

This is what you need. They only break if you are not squared up on the pin or try to use them as a prying device. Start with a short punch to get pin started, transition to a long punch to finish.

Use the right tools for the job. It really doesn't cost that much

https://smile.amazon.com/HHIP-8600-...2005&sprefix=long+pin+punches,aps,141&sr=8-23

 

[pacanis]

Forgot to mention.
"Typically" in rifles things are installed from right to left. Including sights. So drift things out left to right

 

[chorizo]

Forgot to mention.
"Typically" in rifles things are installed from right to left. Including sights. So drift things out left to right

That is unless they were left handed or dyslectic. LOL But generally, for hand-cut items, you are correct.

But in todays age of CNC and machining tools, you will find it really doesn't matter which direction unless the cuts were hand done.

 

[pacanis]

That is unless they were left handed or dyslectic. LOL But generally, for hand-cut items, you are correct.

But in todays age of CNC and machining tools, you will find it really doesn't matter which direction unless the cuts were hand done.

I'm getting to old to put a time stamp on which direction to use depending on the gun I am working on
But good info

 

[chorizo]

I'm getting to old to put a time stamp on which direction to use depending on the gun I am working on
But good info

Me too. The only time you have to worry about it is it is hand made or the cuts were done by hand.

However, if it isn't moving, try switching directions, you know, for what the hell.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Lots of good input here but I'll add unless there is a major mechanical issue barrel pins should never ever be removed....

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

Is any type of 1/16 punch sufficient for removing barrel pins? Can normal needle nose pliers be used or should a certain type of plier be used for pulling the pins out?

Thanks!

Why do you want to take the barrel out?

 

[TobJohn]

Why do you want to take the barrel out?

I’ve seen some recommendations for cleaning, but also having the tools as a “just in case”. If I have no need to, it does make everything easier

 

[TDM]

Lots of good input here but I'll add unless there is a major mechanical issue barrel pins should never ever be removed....

Agree with that. Only time mine go in and out is during a build. And to stay standard I put everything in on the right and tap out from the left.

 

[Ames]

Get a nice set of gunsmithing screwdrivers. A good assortment will come with a varied set of pin punches.
A good starting point- Weaver 88 piece with punches and brass drift.

 

[TobJohn]

Get a nice set of gunsmithing screwdrivers. A good assortment will come with a varied set of pin punches.
A good starting point- Weaver 88 piece with punches and brass drift.

I’ve been persuaded by people saying not to remove the barrel, but I need to get some gunsmithing screw drivers anyway, so that’s a good idea

 

[Ranch 13]

Not cheap to buy by any means, but probably one of the best investments you can put in your shooting accessory collection.
product-