Step L1: Pivot Pin Installation
Objective: In Step L1 of lower receiver assembly, we will install the pivot pin assembly onto the lower receiver.
Tools Required
1: A vice and mag well vice block is a good way to secure your lower during the installation of small parts.
2: While not technically required, the tool for installing the pivot pin, detent, and spring on an AR platform is highly recommended. The best professional tools we have used are made by Obsidian Arms. However, Real Avid makes a very easy-to-use tool for the AR-15. If you choose not to use one of these wonderous tools, buy extra detents (you will probably lose a few) and definitely wear safety glasses (the reason you will need multiple detents is they will come blasting out at you when you slip up during the installation process).
Components Required
| Quantity | Component |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lower Receiver |
| 1 | Pivot Pin |
| 11 | Pivot/Takedown Detent |
| 1 | Pivot/Takedown Spring |
1: See footnote above for the Pivot Pin Installation Tool. If you are using a PPT, you only need one detent for this process. If not, we recommend having spares.
Instructions
Secure the Lower
If using a mag well vice block, install a mag well vice block into your vice and install your lower receiver onto it.
Step L1.0: Remove Existing Pivot Pin (replacement/upgrade only)
WARNING: Wear eye protection. The detent and spring are under pressure and can shoot out, toward your face.
If you are replacing your existing pivot pin (or need to remove the pivot pin for any other reason), first ensure the firearm is unloaded.
Begin by extending the pivot pin in the open configuration (i.e. to take down the firearm).
Insert a 1/16″ pin punch (or the plunger from a PTT) into the hole in the front face of the pivot pin. Depress the pivot/takedown detent and spring and rotate the pivot pin. You should now be able to slide the pivot pin out of the lower receiver.
Step L1.1: Clear Pivot Detent Bore
We strongly recommend clearing the pivot detent bore with a 3/32″ drill bit before you begin. It is not uncommon for residual polishing media to get caught in the hole. This can interfere with the installation of the detent spring.
Insert the drill bit into the bore until it reaches the bottom of the bore, and rotate. Remove and check for polishing media (typically, tiny grey balls). If present, repeat until the drill bit comes out clean.
Step L1.2: Lubricate the Pivot Detent Cavity
Add a drop of wet lube to the detent cavity using a needle dropper.
Step L1.3: Lubricate the Pivot Pin
Wipe a light coat of wet lubricant over the shaft of the pivot pin.
Using a needle dropper, add wet lubricant to the channel of the pivot pin.
Step L1.4: Install Pivot Pin Tool
Follow the tool manufacturer’s instructions and install the tool on the pivot pin lugs of the lower receiver.
Step L1.5: Insert the Pivot/Takedown Spring and Detent
Feed the pivot/takedown spring through the hole of the tool and into the cavity of the lower receiver.
The feed the pivot/takedown detent through the hole of the tool and into the cavity of the lower receiver.
Step L1.6: Depress the Detent and Spring
Using a 1/16″ pin punch or the detent plunger (if using the RealAvid pivot pin tool), depress the pivot pin detent and spring into the lower receiver
Step L1.7: Rotate the Pivot Pin Tool
Rotate the installation tool. This will lock the detent and spring into place. Remove the pin punch or detent plunger.
Step L1.8: Install the Pivot Pin
Begin to feed the pivot pin into the pivot pin lugs on the right side of the lower receiver. As you displace the pin of the installation tool, the detent and spring will be held in place by the pivot pin. In a swift and smooth motion, insert the pivot pin (while applying opposing pressure to the PPT pin) until the detent engages the pivot pin groove (you will hear a click as the detent falls into the groove). Remove the installation tool.
Step L1.9: Function Check
Open and close the pivot pin several times.
If you find that the pivot pin is hard to open or close, the detent/detent channel may need to be broken in. We recommend that you take the following actions:
- Ensure that the detent channel is well lubricated.
- Tap the applicable end of the pivot pin with the rubber/plastic head of a gunsmithing hammer to knock it out of the locked (open or closed) position.
- Cycle the pivot pin until you are able to open and close it by hand.
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