AR Lower build issue

[TROOPER]

Hey Guys,

I'm building a lower receiver using a Spike's Lower parts kit.

I've had help doing this before, and figured I'd try it on my own.

I'm following a couple of different videos, and I'm trying to install the trigger group, but the Spike's retaining pins do not look like those in the videos.

In the videos I've watched on both pins, there is a notch or ring on both ends of both pins.

On my Spike's pins, I have one pin with a notch in the middle of one pin, and the other pin has a notch at only one end.

I'll attach a picture.

Which pin does what, or do I have the wrong pins in the kit.

Note: if I check multiple websites selling this kit, the pins do match the pins shown on the product photo.

So I beleive I have the right parts as Spike's designed this kit.

I'm just not sure how to install these pins.

Thanks

 

[INMY01TA]

My PSA lower kit each fcg pin had a groove in the middle AND at one end like in this vid. I installed them the same way.

 

[TROOPER]

My PSA lower kit each pin had a groove in the middle AND at one end.

Yeah, and so do all the videos I find, so I've no idea what to do.

 

[TyFromMD]

The hammer uses the notch in the center and the trigger uses the one with notches on the end, so the hammer spring keeps the trigger pin from walking.

 

[TROOPER]

The hammer uses the notch in the center and the trigger uses the one with notches on the end, so the hammer spring keeps the trigger pin from walking.

Yep that works

I also just confirmed that after searching Google for an hour LOL

I guess most kits just cut 2 grooves in both pins, so you don't have to use your brain during an install HaHa

Thanks guys.

 

[TyFromMD]

Sorry I took so long. I was out to dinner.

I called Spikes when I was assembling my lower and they were very cordial.

 

[Russ D]

Yep that works

I also just confirmed that after searching Google for an hour LOL

I guess most kits just cut 2 grooves in both pins, so you don't have to use your brain during an install HaHa

Thanks guys.

That's the correct non half assed way to do it. First chance you get swap them for dual cut pins so you never have to worry about putting it together wrong. Spikes just dropped a few notches on my list.

 

[TyFromMD]

I would think the fewer unnecessary notches, the stronger the pin.

 

[Russ D]

I would think the fewer unnecessary notches, the stronger the pin.

I've never heard of a broken pin. Those pins are under very little stress. There is no good reason I can think of not to make them interchangable.

 

[TyFromMD]

Do trigger and hammer pins wear differently? If so, could switching them while cleaning lead to a problem? I would think it would cost less to make all the pins the same and just throw two of the same ones in each LPK.

 

[TROOPER]

I assumed this was a cost cutting exercise.

 

[TROOPER]

That's the correct non half assed way to do it. First chance you get swap them for dual cut pins so you never have to worry about putting it together wrong. Spikes just dropped a few notches on my list.

Thank for the tip Russ, and thanks again for helping on my first build.

That helped a lot, I just watched the videos for a reminder.

 

[Kingjamez]

I suspect this will be a self correcting problem after everybody who buys a kit calls them.

-Jim

 

[sailskidrive]

I've never heard of a broken pin. Those pins are under very little stress. There is no good reason I can think of not to make them interchangable.

I saw an M4 once with a bent one; the FCG sort of self destructed.

I like the KNS pins myself.

 

[BradMacc82]

I really liked the KNS pins, right up until I was informed that Geissele doesn't recommend using them in conjunction with their triggers.

Every Spike's kit I've used has been the same way with the pins, don't know why they do it that way, but they do.

 

[ColonelHurtz]

I've never heard of a broken pin. Those pins are under very little stress. There is no good reason I can think of not to make them interchangable.

.22 uppers and conversions batter hammer pins.
So do some other pistol caliber uppers.
My ST-22 broke two hammer pins and just recently finally broke a KNS SS hammer pin.

The hammer pin is under a great deal of stress, even in a standard upper.
The bolt slams into the hammer every time the gun cycles to reset it.
The trigger pin doesn't receive anything like that.
Very little lateral force and much less rotation.

On an AR receiver, your hammer pin holes are going to egg out long before the trigger pin holes do.

 

[RW2111]

I really see no point in Spikes making there pins any different from anyone else and not universal just like the competitors. And Geiselle doesnt recommend using KNS pins due to the fact they are soft and will cause faster wear.

 

[huesmann]

Do trigger and hammer pins wear differently? If so, could switching them while cleaning lead to a problem? I would think it would cost less to make all the pins the same and just throw two of the same ones in each LPK.

Probably also reduce errors in the factory assembling the LPKs too, like throwing two trigger pins or two hammer pins into the kit, instead of one of each.

 

[BradMacc82]

I really see no point in Spikes making there pins any different from anyone else and not universal just like the competitors. And Geiselle doesnt recommend using KNS pins due to the fact they are soft and will cause faster wear.

That's almost exactly what I was told by another 'smith.

 

[RW2111]

That's almost exactly what I was told by another 'smith.

As was I. Chad informed me of this.