I am looking at an underfolder that is a screw kit build. Are screw builds as crappy as everyone says? Is it even worth the effort to turn it into a weld or rivet build?

You can turn it into a weld or rivet build easily enough. I'm not a huge fan of screws since they can, and sometimes do come loose. They do work, and are the easiest way to build an AK with limited tools.

One problem with screw builds is that you need to be very sure that the builder didn't drill into the barrel too far when removing rivets. Many a good kit have been destroyed by somebody drilling into the chamber or close to it.

They are only crappy if you can't tap worth a damn! I've put almost a 1000 rounds through mine with no loosening of the screws. If you fawk it up you can weld it.

Main thing with a rivet build is you have to pull the barrel out of the trunion to rivet the trunion to the receiver. I didn't have access to a press.

thanks for the info. I'm not even sure if it'w worth it. He want's $350 and it still needs US parts and needs to be refinished. Then add the cost and time to change it over, ummm......

Not a chance unless it's a krink kit or a super pristine Polish underfolder.

They are only crappy if you can't tap worth a damn! I've put almost a 1000 rounds through mine with no loosening of the screws. ....

x2

Lost my AK Build V-card to a screw build:grinpimp:

Well over 1000 rounds through it and only had to Loctite it once in the first 500 rounds.

Get it. Try losening the screws. If they come out, disassemble the gun and smear JB Weld on the sides of the trunnion and threads of the screws. They will never come out again :smokin: MY first build was a screw and the second was a weld, I prefer the screw.

PS: I stole this method from Gil's build :flipoff2:

I've only done one screw build - but I haven't had any problems with it. I went WAY oversized on the button-head hex screws - much larger than the screw 'kits' supply. Also lathered on the green loctite liberally - haven't had a million rounds through it - but the few hundred I HAVE had have been flawless.