Cheaper way to crush rivets?

[osok-308]

A buddy of mine and I are looking to build a couple AKs. Since it appears that build parties may no longer be a viable option, we're looking into how to crush our own rivets. So I have seen people using rivet jigs, however these cost in the ballpark of $250, which we were hoping not to have to spend at the current time. Is there a cheaper, yet still reliable way to crush rivets?

[fullmann]

You could find someone that works on airplanes, they'll most likely have all the rivet tools and know how you'd ever need.

Or maybe someone at a body shop?

[Wulf202]

Rent the jigs and tools

[BPTactical]

I turned a couple of air chisel bits on the lathe for rivet heads. Made a couple of bucking bars out of 1" steel stock.
Problem solved

[blacklabel]

What happened to the modified bolt cutters everyone was using at one point?

[OneGuy67]

eBay and Gunbroker have them or parts of them for sale most days.

[Tinelement]

A hammer

[beast556]

If you wanna shoot the gun that you build, I would strongly reccomend you get the right tools and jigs. Or just pay some one else to build it for you.

[osok-308]

If you wanna shoot the gun that you build, I would strongly reccomend you get the right tools and jigs. Or just pay some one else to build it for you.

I totally agree, I was just more curious if there was a cheaper alternative to buying the $250 jig! Wulf202, you mentioned renting the jigs, where could I rent such an item?

I have heard about the modified bolt cutters as rivet crushers, but are they strong?

[Wulf202]

I totally agree, I was just more curious if there was a cheaper alternative to buying the $250 jig! Wulf202, you mentioned renting the jigs, where could I rent such an item?

I have heard about the modified bolt cutters as rivet crushers, but are they strong?

I have the bolt cutters, long rivet jig, and a 20 ton press. I don't have a jig for the trigger guards. Somewhere around here I have curtis' ak-builder.com build dvd too. There's lots of guys that rent them on AK forums and arf. If you want to meet up we could work something out.

You can make bucking bars and such with a drill bit and the right steel piece.

[bryjcom]

Harbor freight has 24" bolt cutters on sale. Got mine for about $14 today cause I wore out my first set of cutters. Just got done modifying them and riveting a front trunnion in.

The rear trunnions I use a hammer.

The trigger guard you will need a jig.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/PDshooter/Polish%20AK/Fronttrunnion001.jpg

http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/notes/notesak/ak47build/toth-05.jpg

[zteknik]

Bolt cutters is the way to go for most the rivets except for the long ones and the trigger guard.
I have a jig for the long ones and the trigger guard.
For the bolt cutters I got a new set of jaws-when you mod the old jaws it takes the temper out of them and weakens them and they break.
New ones I got from http://www.tothtool.com/Rivet-Jaws-for-24-Bolt-Cutters_p_10.html They are heat treated fully and work perfect!!

And for the trigger guard and long rivet jig I got from http://home.comcast.net/~restoreit1/Tools_Fixtures.htm Pat is a great guy and if you mess up one of the ends or such he will take care of you.
So will Toth tools. Both these guys are home builders and machinists and know what it takes to build one.