When it comes to building ARs, I have been known to use very crude methods. My first build on a polymer lower (I have long since removed that from my builds) I used a framing hammer to get the roll pins installed. I have been known to use rolls of duct tape and many other miscellaneous objects as I learned what I needed to do and what tools to use. But one part of a build has always been the bane of my existence and the reason why I have so many builds completed.

That bane is the pivot pin on the lower receiver. I had developed a method of using an allen wrench to hold the detent and spring in place while I carefully slid the pin into place. But as I developed, I realized that this method only leads to more builds. I would launch a detent, lose it for a few weeks and then find it. Being a waste not want not kind of guy, I would save it for another build. On my limited budget I have built eight complete lowers. While not all of my lowers turned out in my favor, I held onto many of them and traded others away for different guns.

The AR I am currently working on is the one that I wanted to be the best I could put together. The highest quality parts and limited damage to the lower. When the November Tac Pack came, it came with a tool for the pivot pin. A red plastic device that I was highly skeptical of. After getting my V-Seven Titanium, black ion pins in, I opened the package. The tool was sealed up tight and I had to destroy the package to gain access to the tool.

The tool comes in three parts. The paddle, a red plastic pivot pin and a metal plunger. You place the paddle against the magwell of the lower and insert the red pin from the right of the lower to hold the paddle in place. Once set, you load the spring then detent in and push them down with the plunger. You then rotate the paddle up so that it is perpendicular to the magwell. You then remove the plunger and put your pin in the channel on the left-hand side of the lower, there will be an audible click. After that slide the pivot pin into place until the detent settles into the channel of the pivot pin and remove the tool.

The tool which is made by Real Avid is pretty good. For $10 this is something that cannot be beat in saving you time and money. Very simple to use and even easier to make work for you. I will be using this on every build that I do from now on. I highly recommend this tool to any new or experienced builder.

Tac Pack can be found here

Real Avid Pivot pin tool can be found here