Just like the title says, what methods/tools are YOU using.
I don’t understand. Are you replacing the front sling loop?
yes, I am.
I use modified bolt cutters.
I don’t have a camera anymore so I found a site where someone made a tutorial: http://pookieweb.dyndns.org:61129/AK/rivet/boltcutters/cuttershaping.htm
Looks like the same cutters as mine only I shaped my blades differently. One side was ground flat, then a round recess was drilled in it for the rivet head. The other was ground flat to the depth required for the finished rivet size. Perfect buck every time. It’s the only riveting job I use it for so it’s not adjustable like his. I probably would have made it like his design if I had found his tutorial before I made mine.
Beats paying $150-250+ for some aviation rivet squeezers, unless you like expensive tools.
Randall has the coolest rivet tool which he modified to do AR rivets.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6890&highlight=rivet+tool
It’s some kind of aviation tool.
I very rarely ever have to install a new rivet but when I do install a large flat punch into the vise making the tip of it stick up about 1/2" or so and lay the closed end of the rivet and FSB against the flat punch in the vise while I hit the open end with an appropriately sized roll pin punch spreading it open.
Good suggestion. And thanks for the link. Somehow I missed it.
I had the same question and someone recommended a tubular rivet punch from McMaster-Carr. It’s what I use and works great.
part number 6667A4
Installation Tool for Tubular Rivets Fits 1/8" Rivet Diameter
That looks like what we use to rivet aircraft brake pads.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/RapcoBrake.php
Thank God the Navy didn’t hand me one of those when I rebuilt F-14 brakes.
Air hammer w/ chisel attachment for removal, and Pneumatic floor press with foot switch for re-assembly.
I’ll bet they’re not bolted to 600 X 6’s either, my pads wouln’t last one F-14 landing.
I just chuck the barrel in barrel blocks in the bench vise and use the corner of a mini anvil I bought at Tandy Leather Store and set on the bench to hold the rivit in place while peening the other end with a five dollar 5/16" roll pin punch and a 10 ounce shop hammer.
Who needs expensive tools for a simple job!?