jimmy21 18 Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 I am in the middle of converting my saiga to the way i want. Im am not asking this for me. I am highly mechanically inclined and do not need any help. This is just for conversation. In your opinion, what tools are needed for converting a saiga. I see all kinds of people saying that you need things like a drill press or a demel. In my opinion, a dremel is not required or even the prefered tool for popping out a rivet. In my opinion, a dremel is the wrong tool for popping a rivet out. In my opinion, the best way to get rid of a rivet is to file the head of the rivet flat and then drill an 1/8 or 3/16 hole in the middle of it. Then if it doesn't pop free, drill a 1/4 inch hole down until it pops free. Unless im missing something, a dremmel isn't needed at all. Only thing i used my dremel for way to cut the trigger guard in half and grinding it round/smooth, but i could have just used a hacksaw and a file. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
modrisco 16 Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 Im am not asking this for me. I am highly mechanically inclined and do not need any help. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fallschirmjager667 729 Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 having more tools makes it easier, but you can do a standard conversion with nothing but a file if that's all you have Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Salmonking 149 Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 I used a portable drill, a file, and a flat head screw driver. Needle nose pliers will help you if you're planning on re-installing the BHO, though they are not necessary. Like the Ruskie Hammer said above, the more tools, the easier/faster the job. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dboberg 25 Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 Top tool is a good vise. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimmy21 18 Posted April 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 maybe i should ask more specifically....... What is your guys preferred method of getting rid of a rivet? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
armory 142 Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 maybe i should ask more specifically....... What is your guys preferred method of getting rid of a rivet? In my Opinion?......Drill and pop. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
G O B 3,516 Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Rivets can be drilled, dremmelled, or you can pop the heads off with a BFH and and a SHARP cold chisel! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tbizzle 18 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Cut the head off rivet with dremel cutting disk. Drill hole in rivet head with cobalt drill bit. Tap out rivet with a metal punch. /thread Quote Link to post Share on other sites
canoecanoe 63 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Same as stated by tbizzel, but I grind the head with a dremel stone and then drill. Works best for me. While the dremel is not required, it makes things easier and there are so many advantages to owning one that for me it would not make sense to not have one. Dremel=Win! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bigtwin 219 Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 Same as stated by tbizzel, but I grind the head with a dremel stone and then drill. Works best for me. While the dremel is not required, it makes things easier and there are so many advantages to owning one that for me it would not make sense to not have one. Dremel=Win! This was my oh moment! The dremel made life eaisier! Never did I need a press. http://vimeo.com/2787027 This vid says it all! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Agent Lemon 157 Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 (edited) For me the list is as follows: hand drill- for the sporting FCG rivet removal and bullet guide installation. also for removing FSB/GB dimples dremel- for removing the rivets on the trigger plate file- for filing the notch for handguard retainer hydraulic press- for putting on the new GB/FSB with the bayonet/accessory lugs drill press- for properly drilling through the new GB/FSB to pin it on the barrel hammer + hard/ rubber mallet or some kind- for adjusting the GB/FSB left/right when its where it needs to be the last thing that I can think of right now would be something to support the rifle evenly when pressing on FSB/GB. this can be accomplished in many various ways. oh, also some kind of jig or something for doing rivets in the hydraulic press if you want to rivet your trigger guard. Edited May 2, 2012 by Agent Lemon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cracker7 2 Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 I'm getting ready to do my conversion. This thread is just what I needed to get everything ready. That way there's no surprises. Thanks everyone. Cracker 7 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
brandon402 86 Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Dug around for this info myself before I did mine last weekend. I used my set of files, my new vise, my hand held drill and drill bits. Needle nose pliers, ball pein hammer, and rubber mallet. Also, if you're doing the bullet guide too, I would recommend a good tap handle. Not that standard one that comes in the tap/die kits with the two arms on it. A more screw driver handle style one would be better. Oh, and make sure your work area is well lit. I found myself having to use my mag light a couple times because the light in my garage just wasnt good enough. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
semper299 284 Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 Dremel, drill, cobalt drill bit, punch. All you need. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dad2142Dad 6,559 Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 You can do it with less or more tools. I prefer to to drill and punch out the rivet. I am also happy that I have drill press, grinder, dremmel, vice etc. Wish I had a hydraulic press, CNC and oven......... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.