What are the 10 most difficult things about a build? Screw vs rivet? Trying to decide.

I understand that rivet builds require more equipment (=$),  rivet jigs (hard to get), and pressing the barrel.

Screw builds on the other hand, dramatically increase the difficulty in removing old rivets (resulting in trashed kits=$ and requiring more skill), and are not the traditional way to go.

It seems like the screw build might be cheaper if you get it right the first time, but not simpler. It requires more skill, but less effort.

Also is it better to start with a "Good" condition kit or a "Like new" one. The "Good" one could be worn out, requiring replacement parts and refinishing, but it would be looser too, maybe making it easier to break down and put back together.

I am no expert when it comes to building AKs but I am trying to learn!

I have drilled and tapped four AMD-65 kits now for screw builds and two of them were for myself and two that I drilled and tapped for another guy.  The problem with drilling and tapping is that those little taps just don't like steel that hard and they brake and brake easily and there are times I swear they brake even if you do everything right.  When the f-ing things brake you will have a bitch of a time getting the tap back out of the hole!  The only other thing that seems to be a problem with screw builds is that guys drill too deep and they ruin a barrel.

Now, if you buy a press and pull the barrel you could drill and tap without the barrel in the front trunion but if you have that much invested in tools you should just do the build with rivets.

As for rivet builds, I am still collecting the tools to do my first rivet build and I am doing it the expensive way.  I have bought all the fancy gismos that come from lots of careful thought in the past and you can see the list of tools I have purchased here:

www.quarterbore.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=73

Figure the folowing prices:
$90 for barrel pressing tools
$125 for used 555th jig
$100 for 12-ton H-press
$120 for Plinker's rivet press
-------------------------------------
$435 invested in AK tools and doesn't include standard tools like headspace gauges, files, and the other general tools.  

It would require building more then a couple AKs to make this pay for itself when you consider a very functional SAR-1 can be bought for about $350!

I would suggest doing your first build with the cheapest kits you can get and make your mistakes with that one.  After you do your first kit you will have a better idea of what you are doing and if you have the right tools it should be easy to build a really nice weapon!

Hope this helps... and I am a newbee to AKs as well!

Tagged

Quoted: I am no expert when it comes to building AKs but I am trying to learn! I have drilled and tapped four AMD-65 kits now for screw builds and two of them were for myself and two that I drilled and tapped for another guy.  The problem with drilling and tapping is that those little taps just don't like steel that hard and they brake and brake easily and there are times I swear they brake even if you do everything right.  When the f-ing things brake you will have a bitch of a time getting the tap back out of the hole!  The only other thing that seems to be a problem with screw builds is that guys drill too deep and they ruin a barrel. Now, if you buy a press and pull the barrel you could drill and tap without the barrel in the front trunion but if you have that much invested in tools you should just do the build with rivets. As for rivet builds, I am still collecting the tools to do my first rivet build and I am doing it the expensive way.  I have bought all the fancy gismos that come from lots of careful thought in the past and you can see the list of tools I have purchased here: www.quarterbore.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=73 Figure the folowing prices: $90 for barrel pressing tools $125 for used 555th jig $100 for 12-ton H-press $120 for Plinker's rivet press ------------------------------------- $435 invested in AK tools and doesn't include standard tools like headspace gauges, files, and the other general tools.   It would require building more then a couple AKs to make this pay for itself when you consider a very functional SAR-1 can be bought for about $350! I would suggest doing your first build with the cheapest kits you can get and make your mistakes with that one.  After you do your first kit you will have a better idea of what you are doing and if you have the right tools it should be easy to build a really nice weapon! Hope this helps... and I am a newbee to AKs as well!

Quarterbore,
Can you expand on exactly what tools you have listed as barrel pressing tools?  Also will that 12 ton press do your rivets for you?  Thanks.

Well, the barrel pressing tools are those that I bougth in the second post in the thread linked:

www.quarterbore.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=220#220

And it includes:

The press kits that I offer contain the following tools: 1) Trunnion push block (used to apply pressure to the receiver/trunnion assembly without damaging the receiver shell during barrel installation) 2) Hex key (Used with trunnion push block) 3) Shim set (Used with trunnion push block) 4) Barrel blocks (Used to hold the barrel during barrel installation. Also functions as receiver support blocks for barrel cross-pin installation/removal) 5) 2 Piece trunnion support blocks for barrel press–out 6) 3 Piece punch set for barrel cross-pin installation/removal 7) Press ram extension bar (Used to apply pressure to the trunnion push block or breach during barrel removal/installation) 8) Barrel assembly paste (enough for several builds) 9) Complete 8 page instruction pamphlet detailing the use of all included tools - A note about the function and application of the kits: This kit is designed to aid in the assembly and disassembly operations typically done on a hydraulic shop press of 12 through 20 tons. These operations include the removal of the complete barrel assembly from the trunnion (or complete receiver/trunnion assembly) on AKM/AK-74 rifles and their variants, and re-installation of the complete barrel assembly to a complete riveted receiver/trunnion assembly. The tools provided allow for a stable setup which helps to prevent damage to the barrel, trunnion, or receiver during the pressing operations. - Other tools necessary for assembly/disassemblÿC The most important tools necessary for the assembly/disassembly pressing operation not included in the kit are the shop press and head space gauges. This kit does not include any tools for the riveting operations. These riveting tools must be shop made or purchased from another source.

And as far as the 12-ton press, did you look at the links I placed with the press...  These are the experts so to speek and they said a 12-ton should work fine for AK and 1919a4 builds...  

Look at the link again!