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Posted: 2/4/2008 8:27:24 PM EDT
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This will be my fist AK build (or any build for that matter). Should I use rivets or screws? I have heard that if I use screws I will not need to remove the barrel pin (although it does help). Is that true? Is is possible to braze the lower rails into the receiver? Thanks |
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My opinion, use rivets. Others use screws mostly to keep from pulling the barrel. The trunnion was designed for rivets but properly done screws work. As for the rails, I think brazing may ruin the heat treating won't it? For one build or a first build a 100% receiver would be (was) my choice. Good luck |
| Whatever you want, just pass on the chewed gum idea. Do it right and you won't regret it whether it is a rivet, screw or weld build. Heat treating should be done after you got the receiver assembled and ready to install so brazing should not effect heat treating. I'm guessing it would not be strong enough though for the abuse it will receive from the bolt/carrier. Spot weld it before you fold it (that's what we do). |
| Thanks all. I know screws are bubba, but I'm am only building a beater. Screws are easier for me. As for using a 100% receiver: I like the fact that no FFL is involved; to boot I worked in a machine shop during the summers during high school, so I feel up to the challenge. I defiantly think I will try to track down a spot welder now... |
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Check out those hammer in screws (U Drive screws) which look like rivets, and you don't have to remove the barrel to do the build. Here is how one member did it: UDrive screw build |
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Just a word of caution if you use screws make sure you don't touch the barrel when drilling, a lot of screw builders still pull the barrel and thread the trunion all the way through. Once someone shows you how to push out the pin and remove the barrel it's not a big deal if you have access to tools, lots of methods to chose from. |
This is a bit of a touchy subject; screw v. rivet. Don't let Mark (aka Gunplumber) find out about this My suggestion would be to locate a build party in your neck of the woods, that way you can borrow tools and build it up with rivets. Post over in the AZ hometown forum and see if anyone is in your area. I think a screw build will work and a lot easier for a first. If your building on a Romy G parts kit (1982 comes to mind) the barrel pins can be a real PITA without a press. I used a sledge hammer for a day on mine before it even budged. Destroyed it, to say the least. As for building the lower yourself and brazing the rails, I can't offer any advise. Both of mine have been built on NDS-3 100% receivers. mfn |
Those U-drive screws look interesting, but seem a bit "mickey-mouse." Is that what you rivet people think about nuts and bolts? What really advantages do rivets offer over bolts with a few drops of locktite?
I think that is a good point. |
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I'd stay away from the U-Drive rivets. (they aren't really rivets, more like nails that have a spiral shank) I've read about bad things happening but it's not confirmed. Yes, "Micky Mouse" would be a correct term. My issue with scews is the limited area (thickness) of the front trunnion leaves only a few threads. I've heard it's six or seven turns. If you remove the barrel you will see that the inside has been milled out to allow the rivet end to be formed in there. When I say it was designed for rivets, this is what I mean. Had it been designed for screws that area would not have been milled and there would be more meat for the threads to hold onto. I think screws in the rear can be more than long enough to function there though. While I still wouldn't use screws myself I have somewhat warmed up to the idea that if they are done correcty and checked regularly then I imagine they are safe. Part of doing screws correctly seems to involve removing the barrel anyway so why not just use rivets then? If your bending your own receiver I can see this would be prefered to verify function before riveting later maybe? You might look into a build party then you could build it once and correctly with the help of others that have done it before. Let us know how it comes out. |
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Ok! Ok! I'm looking for a build party, but if I can't find one soon I'll do it with screws. I can't wait to get this thing built! hinking.gif BTW: I'm in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area if anyone knows of one in the very near future. |
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