Eddie, you might know them better as spring pins or split pins as pictured here or here. And yes, I, too, have used nails when I didn't have a punch the right size.
Yes, but you might not like the prices in the Matco Online Catalogue and I've no experience with the online sales.
And I usually called them roll pins myself. They can be a nuisance at times. If you use too large a punch, the punch gets stuck in the hole (as you've just had happen) and if you use too small a punch, the tip of it goes into the hollow of the pin and everything gets stuck.
Snappy is top of the line ,top $ too. Can't beat Grainger for customer service and same day shipping but they don't give anything away either. Got any friends nearby with the needed punch? You can play the temp game too to help loosen the fit, a little dry ice on the outside and it might pop right out!
Jinma, Foton, TYM, Belarus, Yanmar, Branson, Montana, Mahindra and maybe some green and orange too.
How about SK tools? I have a few assorted hand tools by them and they seem to be pretty decent. Anybody know if their punches would likely be good? I know where I can get my grubby paws on a set of them.
roll pin punches have a litte tit inthe center to fit in the hole in the center of the pin. i agree you can make a punch out of a drill bit. cut off the twisted end use the smooth end. you coul drill a hole in some round stock and insert the drill bit end into it for something to hold onto and hit. if you can turn the part around and drive from the other side.