Need PSL Rivets, how to make...

[Ryan in SD]

So, I got hosed on acquiring some rivets by TG International

I have access to a lathe. I figure, what the hell. I'll make some.

What kind of steel are they? Im sure its gotta be something 'special' right?

OR if someone just wants to give me their rear trunnion PSL rivets, that would be cool

[CptDan]

they are about the same steel as a 16 penny nail

[Plisk]

Leaded steel.

Contact Curtis as AK Builder. See if he can hook it up.

[kcstott]

The rivets are leaded
don't know the exact alloy but I'd start with some 12L14 rod and some 41L40

Both can be had at McMaster

Now how are you planing to form the head that would normally already be there.

One way to do it as it's the closest thing to the heading machine you can get for the garage. Use a 5C collet and a collet block then head the rivet with a forming punch. you'll have to grip that rod pretty tight with the collet but leaded steel is soft and will deform relatively easy.

[gwoodl]

http://www.akfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110867

[hermosabeach]

At times I feel like a geek and have been googling Lead Rivets.
Trying to understand if the "lead" is a nickname give to an alloy or type of steel or of the rivets actually contain lead- and how much.

http://www.eng.utoledo.edu/~tschrede/met1110/Unit%206.pdf

Page 2 - right side discusses how 1/3 pound of lead can be added to 100 poinds of sulphur content steel to make leaded rivets.

Does anyone else have other details on what a leaded rivet is made from???

[Ryan in SD]

Awesome, thanks guys. I decided to buy some 3/16 x 2" Rivets to start with.

[kcstott]

Holly crap!!! Leadloy 12L14 41L40 are alloys of steel with lead added to make them "free machining" alloys, soft as butter but still tough and strong.

"12L14 is used extensively in automatic screw machines for manufacturing numerous parts requiring considerable machining and close tolerances, along with a smooth finish. 12L14 can be used to maximum advantage where considerable machining is required, such as bushings, inserts, couplings, and hydraulic hose fittings. With good ductility, 12L14 is suitable for parts involving crimping, bending, or riveting."

[hermosabeach]

KC...

Holly crap!!! Leadloy 12L14 41L40 are alloys of steel with lead added to make them "free machining" alloys, soft as butter but still tough and strong.

"12L14 is used extensively in automatic screw machines for manufacturing numerous parts requiring considerable machining and close tolerances, along with a smooth finish. 12L14 can be used to maximum advantage where considerable machining is required, such as bushings, inserts, couplings, and hydraulic hose fittings. With good ductility, 12L14 is suitable for parts involving crimping, bending, or riveting."

KC I was also amazed and the tensile strength but the drop on the brinell scale... Strong so they do not shear nor deform, but soft enough so they will not develop cracks / fractures as you might find with a harder material....

kinda crazy / interesting how 1/3 pound of lead can change 100 pounds of steel

[kcstott]

KC I was also amazed and the tensile strength but the drop on the brinell scale... Strong so they do not shear nor deform, but soft enough so they will not develop cracks / fractures as you might find with a harder material....

kinda crazy / interesting how 1/3 pound of lead can change 100 pounds of steel

The neat thing is it machines like aluminum. Easy to cut. All your Leupold bases are cut from 12L14 so it has to be good.

Take into consideration that 12L14 is just as strong as annealed 4140. So it's pretty damn strong all by itself. Sulfur is also added to steel to make it free machining.

[Ajaxx]

http://winecountryweaponsak47.webs.com/apps/webstore/products/show/1749751

These are the correct metric size straight from the UK

[Ryan in SD]

Trimming them on a lathe is a huge pain in the ***, I started with 6 and only have 2 good ones

Cannot rush them :-\

[Aaron707]

Curtis at Ak-Builder has the PSL rivets in stock now. I ordered a set since I should be getting the much needed barrel I ordered in December soon...maybe.

[kcstott]

You know as hard as theses barrels are to get I ought to buy a couple of blanks and make some my damn self