AK Woes

K

Khukman

Joined
Oct 31, 2000
Messages
54
Hey there guys!
Help out an ignernt Alabama redneck singing the AK blues:( I've been working on my 20" AK handle now for about 1.5 years on and off (btw, these CAN be used with a duct-tape handle for light to medium work!!!:D ) Anyway, I was trying to get the handle to fit just right to the tang before epoxying it all back together. I noticed that the tabg was slightly bent, so I figured I'd straighten it out a little bit. I hit it with a 16 oz hammer a few times with good results, it moved nicely, but not quite enough. I attempted to give it a few more whacks to get it just where I needed it, and OUCH!!! It broke about 2" from the bolster :mad: :( :confused: What do I do? There's probably enough to drill and put a pin, but will that be enough, or do I need to some how get the rest of the tang re-attached? Please help me, I really miss using my AK for ... well, just about anything and everything.

Thanks in advance,

Rob
 
Take the knife to a welder and ask him to weld the broken piece back onto place. It should take no more than 5 minutes and cost should be minimal -- about a five buck job.
 
The Kuk Doc (read: welder) has a minimum $10 charge. Go to a knife or a gun store and show them.

I went to the Army Navy Surplus here in Waco and they sent me to a guy who does welding and on everything. Engines, Bumpers, Mufflers, and from the looks of his shop he could probably put together a decent AK reciever, but what do I know. :rolleyes: ;)
 
Sorry to hear about your tang trouble Rob:(

I know nothing about steel, but didn't I read in another thread awhile back that you should heat the tang before hammering it into different shapes? I can't remember. Or SHOULD you be able to do that when the tang is properly soft, which the Dasein tangs are not? Is this right?
 
The thing that perplexes me is that this has been one really tough knife. I have split LOTS of wood with it, dug post-holes (in gravel), chopped chain-link fence ties, etc., etc., etc.. Which surprises me, as the tang did seem like it was a little too hard. Anyway, I will see if I can find a good welder around and get this puppy fixed!!!
 
You "should" be able to reshape the tang cold but it's easier to do when it's hot. At any rate, it's a very easy fix and not a fatal failure.
 
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