www.mscdirect.com/mscProductSearch.process?RestartFlow=t&RowsPerPage=15&searchmanufpartno=&dispmanufpartno=&operator=AND&QuickFlag=1&Merchant_Id=1&query=rivets&search_cat=K&x=7&y=10

g.c., two basic tools are required to properly 'set' a rivet.

a bucking bar and a riveting tool. the bucking bar backs up the rivet and the riveting tool delivers the hammer blows to the opposite end of the rivet.

bucking bars are largely home made, when it comes to the ak...just plates, bars, round stock shaped from scrap pieces of steel generally.

riveting tools can be either home made or purchased (see that link i posted above).

rivets can easily be set with hammer blows to the riveting tool, or an air driven tool like an air chisel or riveting gun.