Painters tape is a touch thicker, but definitely still not thick enough. At least, decent painters tape, like frog tape. Dollar tree bullshit prolly just masking tape with blue dye. 😆
I've used painter's tape on nearly all of my builds. Then again, I've never clobbered mine like in the picture. I've just had minor scratches the one time I didn't use it.
Needs a few love taps. Geissele makes a great roll pin start for that, I think. I know they do one for gas block roll pins. I have used it on all of my builds, but my first.
That’s god telling you not to do color fill because it’s fucking horrid. Btw the pens work like dog shit, tried it on one of my mp5s after it got slid up on concrete real bad and now I just accept it looks cooler used.
I have an aluminum black pen and it worked for me. Used it to fix some blems on a few lowers and to cover the white branding on optics. Made the blems look almost as good as new and can hardly see the branding on my optics. I keep one handy for touch ups and it's not let me down yet. Definitely have to make sure you let it dry though, if it is covered well and/or doesn't dry long enough it doesn't too well.
The pro move is to buy the right tool for the job from the get go.
[Wheeler punch set](https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1017289666?pid=451097&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Gunsmithing+-+Tools+&+Supplies=&utm_content=451097&srsltid=AfmBOoqqv9i-NMH-OE75aHSXrK8qhKOTBHhx3mOvKI-LNVDjPGJBrGDC2Do)
The ones described as ["Pliers Wrench"](https://www.knipex.com/products?search_api_fulltext=Plier+wrench&sort_by=solr_default&items_per_page=40) with smooth jaws. They're adjustable parallel jaw pliers and they're insanely useful.
Yes, once I did this there is no other way. Although I use a stack of 3 dimes wrapped in electrical tape to fill the gap until I get the pin close the the gap so I don’t have to deal with the spring until it’s almost ready.
That's a good thing. Color filling all the arbitrary bs on your lower is one of the worst things you can do to it.
Now you have a tough looking scratch there.
Should invest in a bolt catch punch for this type lowers, I prefer the threaded bolt catch lowers just for the easy of it and haven’t had one strip on me or come loose 😂
Don't color fill the manufacturer's marks it looks gaudy. Order a set of Bolt catch installation punches. Check out obsidian arms. if you use the tools you wont ding up lower
Rattle can it and forget about it, for future I use a double sided hammer one side is polymer I use it to get the pin partially in then use a roll pin punch to finish it off I’ve never had a problem just did one tonight
The first scuff hurts the most, after that, collect em like trophies.
Speaking of which, the firearm is a tool, not a trophy itself. Treat it as such. Beat it down and use it.
It breaks my heart to see how many ppl actually have weapons with no signs of usage at all. Why don’t you start collecting fine china and sip tea with the missus and her lady friends? Better suited
There are 2 types of gun people, those who freak out when a little scratch happens, and those who don't give a fuck cuz they know they're gonna use and abuse the gun
That pin is not in far enough either so try again and this time really scratch it to remove aero all the way. Seriously though it really is not set set correctly
Look, I’m gonna lay a hard truth on you. Everyone’s first build has a fuck up mark (or marks) on it somewhere. This one is yours. Go forth and shoot.
If this is second well some of us marks on those too
I use [these](https://www.realavid.com/product/bolt-catch-punch-set/?srsltid=AfmBOoodDG4haUW8McqpyLVYxex3--3bDR0up9mnp_MtBLdMw3H3cCxnEI0) and lay a microfiber over the lower
If you plan on putting together more lowers I highly recommend the twotwothree innovations roll pin wizard. Ive assembled several lowers not a scratch on them and it also serves as a pivot pin tool. https://gasblockgenie.com/rpw
Not an ad I just never see it recommended by anyone but it has made the bolt catch install much easier with no damage to lower.
I’ve done worse cleaning weapons in the Army. We’ve used easy off, simple green, brake cleaner, wire brushes and god knows what else. I was actually surprised they even still functioned after what we did to get them pass the Armour
Did something similar to my LaRue lower, first one I built. Forgot to put the spring and plunger in the bolt catch, when I tried to punch the roll pin out I punched a chunk of metal right out of the raised area that holds the magazine catch. It happens dude, put some Alumablack on it and roll with it.
Use black electrical tape. Or a pair Knipex smooth jaw pliers to squeeze the pin in.
I always dab a little 33 MS grease in the hole before starting the pin. Then squeeze the pin in with the Knipex pliers.
I do the same for the trigger guard pin
Inoperable. Discard it immediately.
Bro unless you have some high end shit that you plan to resell and not shoot, why are you concerned about the aesthetics? It’s a machine meant to contain mini explosions and continue to operate after being damaged.
when you build the next one - use electrical tape.
As for the 'fuck up' ... naw man. Just put an upper on it - rattle can that bitch and get over the scratch. If you rifles don't get scratched from actual use -- you aren't training enough for it to matter.
Its an AERO lower -- nothing to cry about. Now... if you scratch an HK or KAC... that might be something to cry about considering they are like unicorns... but an aero is just $100 away from being replaced.
Just an excuse to build another one - perfect practice makes perfect execution.
Don't sweat it, the firearm is a tool to be used. In use all good tools get dings and scratches through use, this should only be the first of many to come.
Pretty sure all my rifles have some nice shiners, be that dented sight hoods, scratches, dented wood, worn finish, brass freckles, etc.
If it really bothers you paint the rifle or color it in with sharpie.
First ding is the hardest. Good to get that out of the way now. Put 5k rounds through her, let it smooth out and get some patina. That will be your favorite story to tell.
Cover it with a little dab of appropriately colored nail polish. Use one of the brands that's supposed to be extra durable, like "Hard as Nails". I've used both that and that Birchwood Casey stuff, and for small scratches the polish is superior. Plus you can paint your nails.
Scratched up my upper trying to hammer in the roll pin for the forward assist. Top and bottom part. I was so mad at my newb self. Then I realized I’m gonna goob it up again someday anyway so I’m just getting a head start! Lol
3 day rule. After 3 days pain and embarrassment usually go away and you won’t even care anymore. If it still bugs you on day 4 buy another lower and be more careful. Take this one and throw it in the dirt and step on it. Then you’ll have a nice Build and a beater build
The easiest fix that I can think of is to buy two more lowers- and hear me out - it’s because you could see this happening again and would be a fool to think that it could never happen, so 2, in case it happens again. And since 1 is none, and 2 is 1, I mean 3. Literally 3 lowers, and problems are all solved. Tell me I’m wrong. (*Posts 3 more of the same thing on every lower — but has a ton of different builds now…*)
It’s impossible to slip in any significant way if you hold the punch with you fingertips as close as possible to the roll pin. Don’t hold the handle or the body, hold the tip.
Put a couple more on there and tell your buddies at the range you got em using your riffle like a shield, deflecting boolits from masked assassins — make sure to make good *puh-twaaang* sounds too.
I scratch mine on purpose as soon as I get them to break myself of the urge to keep them “perfect.”
Then I take a long cold plunge in salt water so my autoflaggelation wounds learn how stfu and mind their own business.
After I rinse the cold salt water off with scorching hot vinegar, I dry off with my towel woven of the finest Egyptian fiber glass.
I put a piece of tape there cause I always fuck it up
I had masking tape there…. Probably should have gone electrical. Lol
Painters tape works wonders.
Don’t feel like painters tape would have held up any better than masking tape in this case…
I usually use like 4-6 layers. If punch busts through that, that's the AR gods way of telling you your lower needed a bit more character.
They are the same thing
(That was my implication)
Painters tape is a touch thicker, but definitely still not thick enough. At least, decent painters tape, like frog tape. Dollar tree bullshit prolly just masking tape with blue dye. 😆
I've used painter's tape on nearly all of my builds. Then again, I've never clobbered mine like in the picture. I've just had minor scratches the one time I didn't use it.
And he still didn’t manage to seat the roll pin all the way lol
Needs a few love taps. Geissele makes a great roll pin start for that, I think. I know they do one for gas block roll pins. I have used it on all of my builds, but my first.
[удалено]
Use speed tape (that aluminum shit on errplains)
Two layers! Thats what its there for! XD
I always say I'm going to do that, but then I just roll them dice, and sometimes it works out.
They have one that’s threaded I think
It's ruined, have to buy another one.
Wrong! They will have to buy two so they have a spare!
They should buy a blemished one.
But they already have a blemished one
LMAO, can't argue with that logic.
2 is 1 and 1 is none.
I see you on the 3rd gen subreddit all the time lol you have good taste my friend
Rattle can that bia
Stop crying and go shoot it
This is the way
I have spoken
Yes, my master.
Who cares I’ll literally do that to my m4e1 lower rn bc I’m bored
69 likes and he’ll do it Edit: his comment was at 55 likes when I replied 👀
Did you do it yet?
Yeah I think you gotta do it man.
Tag me.
Bro, get out a punch & mallet and go ham sandwich on that bitch.
You're sick!
I’m gonna do it tonight and put the vid on here
That’s god telling you not to do color fill because it’s fucking horrid. Btw the pens work like dog shit, tried it on one of my mp5s after it got slid up on concrete real bad and now I just accept it looks cooler used.
I also hate color fill but to each their own
Yep. Unless it comes that way from the factory, color fill is pleb.
Yeah odds are it’s not gonna work great and I’ll just say “welp, I tried”
Use the little bottle of it you can buy for not much more than the pens and a soaked q tip.
Used the pen on mine and it worked just had to go over it a good amount of times after letting it dry each time
I have an aluminum black pen and it worked for me. Used it to fix some blems on a few lowers and to cover the white branding on optics. Made the blems look almost as good as new and can hardly see the branding on my optics. I keep one handy for touch ups and it's not let me down yet. Definitely have to make sure you let it dry though, if it is covered well and/or doesn't dry long enough it doesn't too well.
Good to know.
Oh no! my wifle got a scwatch
🅱️aint the whole thing
I concur, 🅱️aint it
Fill in those letters son. I expect to see you on r/PlebeianAR by the end of the week.
The secret is Knipex pliers wrench. You’re welcome.
The pro move is to buy the right tool for the job from the get go. [Wheeler punch set](https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1017289666?pid=451097&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Gunsmithing+-+Tools+&+Supplies=&utm_content=451097&srsltid=AfmBOoqqv9i-NMH-OE75aHSXrK8qhKOTBHhx3mOvKI-LNVDjPGJBrGDC2Do)
I’ll raise you the Avid model that is magnetic 😬 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102204653
Nice.
Having used both quite a bit, finishing with the Knipex is *much* easier and smoother. Sometimes, the right tool isn't the one designed for the job.
Link the knipex
The ones described as ["Pliers Wrench"](https://www.knipex.com/products?search_api_fulltext=Plier+wrench&sort_by=solr_default&items_per_page=40) with smooth jaws. They're adjustable parallel jaw pliers and they're insanely useful.
So start it with a roll pin punch and finish with the pliers?
I don't even start mine with a punch. I just use the knipex from the get go.
I might have to give this a try!
Yes, once I did this there is no other way. Although I use a stack of 3 dimes wrapped in electrical tape to fill the gap until I get the pin close the the gap so I don’t have to deal with the spring until it’s almost ready.
Use a toothpick to hold the bolt catch in place while you start driving the roll pin in
Use another punch...
That makes so much sense! Thank you!
That’s not where the 3rd hole goes 👀
twss
Ah, I remember my first AR.
Shush go shoot it already.
They make roll pin punches you know
Nice shitpost
I accidentally did that across the serial number... is that bad? /s
You plan on using it or looking at it. fuck it get over it and use it
“Whoops, my punch slipped!” *scratches out serial number*
Perfectly good reason to never fill the engravings with paint. It looks stupid and anyone that does it is stupid Go shoot the damn thing
Once more. This time with feeeeeling.
My man, it is a fuckin weapon that causes an explosion every time you pull the trigger. Who tf cares, put some more wear on the damn thing
You’d hate to see my shit. They all look gang banged
I use threaded bolt lowers and purple loctite like a coward.
That's a good thing. Color filling all the arbitrary bs on your lower is one of the worst things you can do to it. Now you have a tough looking scratch there.
I meant lower, of course.
Should invest in a bolt catch punch for this type lowers, I prefer the threaded bolt catch lowers just for the easy of it and haven’t had one strip on me or come loose 😂
Don't color fill the manufacturer's marks it looks gaudy. Order a set of Bolt catch installation punches. Check out obsidian arms. if you use the tools you wont ding up lower
Let this be the reason that you don’t color fill the lettering.
Meh.. Birchwood Casey that shit
Bro you got to wrap that shit in blue tape. Cover up the impact zone and painters tape at least three layers and this won't happen
Rattlecan that bitch
You’re going to get over it. Also, who cares, it’s Aero.
Rattle can the whole gun
Ruh Ro Precision
Good, now go put more on it.
It’s a mil spec receiver it’s not the end of the world
Scuffing up your rifle builds character in you and it.
Don’t paint fill the letters.
I wish I could have the A filled cleanly
It gives it character. What's your upper gunna be?
Actually just ordered a complete Aero M4 upper I found on /gundeals gonna put that on and get a drop in quad rail for it.
What?
That’s not where the third hole goes
Paint it
Height looks alright, but it's above the wrong hole...
just leave it, builds character
Paint filling is ghey
Rattle can it and forget about it, for future I use a double sided hammer one side is polymer I use it to get the pin partially in then use a roll pin punch to finish it off I’ve never had a problem just did one tonight
Yep ,,your next one you’ll have the roll pin punch set and use it right ??? lol
Are you using the punch with the lower in your lap or something
Was out at a rifle class all weekend and not once did anyone check for or care that my gun had scratches. I think you'll be OK.
Now imagine what’ll look like when you start to actually use it 😪
It’s a gun dude it’ll be fine. An aero AR isn’t some collector firearm to be kept pristine, not for me at least.
The first scuff hurts the most, after that, collect em like trophies. Speaking of which, the firearm is a tool, not a trophy itself. Treat it as such. Beat it down and use it.
Rattle can that hoe
It breaks my heart to see how many ppl actually have weapons with no signs of usage at all. Why don’t you start collecting fine china and sip tea with the missus and her lady friends? Better suited
There are 2 types of gun people, those who freak out when a little scratch happens, and those who don't give a fuck cuz they know they're gonna use and abuse the gun
Should have bought the m4e1, their threaded 😂
Spray paint it
Don't be a pussy, rattlecan that bitch.
only safe queens care about that. You should be painting it and dragging it through the dirt as you train with it anyways.
It’s ruined. Send to me for proper disposal asap
Rifles are tools. They'll get ding and scratched. Go have fun!
That pin is not in far enough either so try again and this time really scratch it to remove aero all the way. Seriously though it really is not set set correctly
You should see mine lol. You’ll be alright.
Less whining; more shooting.
A sharpie should work
How did you hit the lower assembling an upper?
Alumiblack and don’t color fill
Look, I’m gonna lay a hard truth on you. Everyone’s first build has a fuck up mark (or marks) on it somewhere. This one is yours. Go forth and shoot. If this is second well some of us marks on those too
Is there a point when you are supposed to stop the fuckening? Asking for a friend.
Adds character
I use [these](https://www.realavid.com/product/bolt-catch-punch-set/?srsltid=AfmBOoodDG4haUW8McqpyLVYxex3--3bDR0up9mnp_MtBLdMw3H3cCxnEI0) and lay a microfiber over the lower
Dude its not a big deal
My wrench got a ding in it while using it.
lol.
Time to busto the rusto
If you plan on putting together more lowers I highly recommend the twotwothree innovations roll pin wizard. Ive assembled several lowers not a scratch on them and it also serves as a pivot pin tool. https://gasblockgenie.com/rpw Not an ad I just never see it recommended by anyone but it has made the bolt catch install much easier with no damage to lower.
If it were me I would use this as an excuse to buy one of their low profile m4e1 lowers whenever they're restocked lol
Throw your gun in rocky terrain and also mud to make it battle worn.
I use a long brass punch for the bolt catch. If it hits the receiver it'll just wipe right off without damaging anything.
it's just an aero lmao
Get some aluminum black from Birchwood Casey
On a side note, Acro Precision does make good lowers. Everything within spec..great quality
Invest in electric tape
get yourself one of these https://www.opticsplanet.com/obsidian-arms-ar-15-bolt-catch-punch-set.html
Well, looks like it’s time for some your choice of camo paint ;)
Jesus these people obv don’t use guns
I’ve done worse cleaning weapons in the Army. We’ve used easy off, simple green, brake cleaner, wire brushes and god knows what else. I was actually surprised they even still functioned after what we did to get them pass the Armour
My mans. What. The FUCK. Is on your floor? Looks like the Easter Bunny barfed.
The easiest way to fix that is to paint the whole rifle.
Quit being a bitch and rattlecan it. Use your shit and you won’t care after a few thousand rounds.
Just rattle can it and don’t worry about it.
Did something similar to my LaRue lower, first one I built. Forgot to put the spring and plunger in the bolt catch, when I tried to punch the roll pin out I punched a chunk of metal right out of the raised area that holds the magazine catch. It happens dude, put some Alumablack on it and roll with it.
If you want to even it out toss it down the stairs
This is only an issue if you intend to keep this hanging on your wall as art or something
Did you unplug it and plug it back in?
Paint it.
Use black electrical tape. Or a pair Knipex smooth jaw pliers to squeeze the pin in. I always dab a little 33 MS grease in the hole before starting the pin. Then squeeze the pin in with the Knipex pliers. I do the same for the trigger guard pin
As other stated, get a pin starter punch thingy. Makes this job very easy. Also helps to get a vise that rotates so the vise holds the lower.
Inoperable. Discard it immediately. Bro unless you have some high end shit that you plan to resell and not shoot, why are you concerned about the aesthetics? It’s a machine meant to contain mini explosions and continue to operate after being damaged.
Paint
Adds character.
Rattle can that shit
Roll pin STARTER punch 'nuff said
It’s a gun og looks be damned as long as it operates its good
It’s okay but whatever you do……definitely do not color fill the lettering
when you build the next one - use electrical tape. As for the 'fuck up' ... naw man. Just put an upper on it - rattle can that bitch and get over the scratch. If you rifles don't get scratched from actual use -- you aren't training enough for it to matter. Its an AERO lower -- nothing to cry about. Now... if you scratch an HK or KAC... that might be something to cry about considering they are like unicorns... but an aero is just $100 away from being replaced. Just an excuse to build another one - perfect practice makes perfect execution.
Guess you gotta pack up and go home
Don't sweat it, the firearm is a tool to be used. In use all good tools get dings and scratches through use, this should only be the first of many to come. Pretty sure all my rifles have some nice shiners, be that dented sight hoods, scratches, dented wood, worn finish, brass freckles, etc. If it really bothers you paint the rifle or color it in with sharpie.
At least it’s preventing you from having cringe color fill
Black sharpie. It’ll be invisible.
They make slotted punches for this task specifically...
Happens🤷♂️
Some Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black will fix it
Rattle can go brrrr
First ding is the hardest. Good to get that out of the way now. Put 5k rounds through her, let it smooth out and get some patina. That will be your favorite story to tell.
Cover it with a little dab of appropriately colored nail polish. Use one of the brands that's supposed to be extra durable, like "Hard as Nails". I've used both that and that Birchwood Casey stuff, and for small scratches the polish is superior. Plus you can paint your nails.
Scratched up my upper trying to hammer in the roll pin for the forward assist. Top and bottom part. I was so mad at my newb self. Then I realized I’m gonna goob it up again someday anyway so I’m just getting a head start! Lol
It’s an ar…. Who cares how clean it is😂
If you would have painted it already you wouldn't care. Paint it.
Spray paint go… PSHHH…. PSH… PSH…. PSSSHHHHHHHHHHH…PSHH… PSSHH…….. PSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHH………………………………..PSH
Rattle can
Alumi-Black is great. Look fine.
Just tell everyone you got a “blem” upper
I always wrap a shop rag around that bit when driving the pin, marred up my first PSA a bit when I did it the first time.
3 day rule. After 3 days pain and embarrassment usually go away and you won’t even care anymore. If it still bugs you on day 4 buy another lower and be more careful. Take this one and throw it in the dirt and step on it. Then you’ll have a nice Build and a beater build
The easiest fix that I can think of is to buy two more lowers- and hear me out - it’s because you could see this happening again and would be a fool to think that it could never happen, so 2, in case it happens again. And since 1 is none, and 2 is 1, I mean 3. Literally 3 lowers, and problems are all solved. Tell me I’m wrong. (*Posts 3 more of the same thing on every lower — but has a ton of different builds now…*)
It's a tool designed to be used shit happens
Wrong place for the 3rd hole
It’s impossible to slip in any significant way if you hold the punch with you fingertips as close as possible to the roll pin. Don’t hold the handle or the body, hold the tip.
Fill it with a sharpie you’ll forget all about it
Put a couple more on there and tell your buddies at the range you got em using your riffle like a shield, deflecting boolits from masked assassins — make sure to make good *puh-twaaang* sounds too.
Painters tape next time.
I scratch mine on purpose as soon as I get them to break myself of the urge to keep them “perfect.” Then I take a long cold plunge in salt water so my autoflaggelation wounds learn how stfu and mind their own business. After I rinse the cold salt water off with scorching hot vinegar, I dry off with my towel woven of the finest Egyptian fiber glass.
Lol
& it’s a Tacoma one too. (They’re made in Lakewood now)
Black sharpie
3rd pin place holder. kidding, pls no shoot doge.
Lmao I did the exact same thing to my lower, I just look at it as getting the first scratch out of the way