Just finished up a couple projects making some of the tools found in the back of a couple TM's.
From the M16/M4 Technical Manual I made a front sight adjustment tool, pivot pin installation tool, and pivot pin removal tool.
I made mine to the roughly 4" overall length as the TM, not sure why it needed to be that length but it differs some in that it has a rounded flat edge so that it can also be used to zero my Aimpoint or Sig Romeo5. I drilled a through hole for a piece of shock cord is so slip it down a MOLLE loop and pull it over itself to keep it in place.
Below are the TM's drawings for the pivot pin remover and install tool with my versions below. I didn't harden the pivot pin install tool, I really didn't see the point being honest since it's just a guide.
In the back of the TM for the Mk12 Mod 1 they showed another version of a pivot pin install tool that was fabricated from a screwdriver, so I made one of those as well.
This version of the tool works but it wouldn't be my preference, the risk of launching a detent is higher I think after trying both out. The L-shaped version is pretty fool proof and the pivot pin remover worked really well.
With the exception of the 1/16th wrench all the materials came from Lowe's, about $14 for the two pieces of steel rod and the cheapest screwdriver they had. Tool wise I used a hacksaw, needle files, a flat bastard file, a cordless drill, drill press, and a box of Dewalt bits. I have enough material left over to make several more front sight tools and pivot pin tools, which I may do but this was more to see what would come of it rather than out of need.
From the M16/M4 Technical Manual I made a front sight adjustment tool, pivot pin installation tool, and pivot pin removal tool.
I made mine to the roughly 4" overall length as the TM, not sure why it needed to be that length but it differs some in that it has a rounded flat edge so that it can also be used to zero my Aimpoint or Sig Romeo5. I drilled a through hole for a piece of shock cord is so slip it down a MOLLE loop and pull it over itself to keep it in place.
Below are the TM's drawings for the pivot pin remover and install tool with my versions below. I didn't harden the pivot pin install tool, I really didn't see the point being honest since it's just a guide.
In the back of the TM for the Mk12 Mod 1 they showed another version of a pivot pin install tool that was fabricated from a screwdriver, so I made one of those as well.
This version of the tool works but it wouldn't be my preference, the risk of launching a detent is higher I think after trying both out. The L-shaped version is pretty fool proof and the pivot pin remover worked really well.
With the exception of the 1/16th wrench all the materials came from Lowe's, about $14 for the two pieces of steel rod and the cheapest screwdriver they had. Tool wise I used a hacksaw, needle files, a flat bastard file, a cordless drill, drill press, and a box of Dewalt bits. I have enough material left over to make several more front sight tools and pivot pin tools, which I may do but this was more to see what would come of it rather than out of need.
