Repairing a chiruwa AK

[Mike L.]

I have a village chiruwa style (slab handle) AK that has developed loose handles. Attempts to inject various glues under the horn slabs have failed. I need to remove the scales completely and clean them and the tang, re-glue, and re-rivet. I may replace the scales with wood. The existing aluminum "rivets" should be easy enough to drill out and remove.
The question is, what to use to replace the rivets. Does anyone know of a source for cutler's rivets or suitable bolts large enough for a khuk handle? Or, would anyone have some spares he could sell?


--Mike L.

 

[Walosi]

Mike - Scroll down to "hidden bolt fasteners":

http://www.texasknife.com/store/s-pages/TKS_RivetsPommels1.htm

The front page is here:

http://www.texasknife.com/

 

[Bill Martino]

Thanks for help, Wal, and keep us posted, Mike.

 

[BruiseLeee]

Would using a piece of brass rod work just as well? I dunno, maybe I'm just cheap.

 

[Walosi]

Brass rod would work well with wood, and horn if you are very careful - the fastners have the advantage of letting you control the pressure put on the slab, and hopefully prevent cracks from an "OOPS" with a hammer.

 

[Bill Martino]

I think if I were going to repin the slabs I'd use copper rivets. They look good, polish easily, are easy to work and are stronger than your hand.