Hammer nose rivet

[The Preacher]

Hey folks; been a long time. I've got a quick question in regards to a S&W Mod 36 hammer nose rivet. What's a good tool to peen the rivet tight. I used a re-worked (filed the point round) nail but surely there's got to be something better. Any insight would be appreciated.

The Preacher

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

There used to be a pic of the tool in the FAQs but it isn't there any longer..
If memory serves me correctly it looked like a "Nail Set" beveled & tapered..
I suppose idealy you would want another "Nail Set" clamped in a vise & a third hand to hold the hammer while you use your other two hands to work the Punch & the hammer..
Id bet at the factory they have a tool with these ends fit onto like a "Vise Grip"..
Hopefully someone with more knowledge will chime in..
500MN were are you??
Gary/Hk

 

[bgrafsr]

Here is a photo of the punches and tool used to replace the hammer nose and rivet. It is part of the tool kit S&W sent me when I did the L frame recall for them. The one photo shows the conical tip that you place one side of the rivet on while using the punch on the other side to flare it out.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Gary, your thinking of the other site....

That same staking tool you use for the rear sight will work.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

I looked over there too, The tool that bgrafsr shows is indeed the exact tool for the job..
I'd bet with something to support from the bottom on the other side of the rivet & the propper tapered punch you could get it perfect..
This forum is so handy..
Gary/Hk

 

[haggis]

During a discussion of this a couple of years back, someone pointed out that you didn't need a tapered point to back up the bushing when you flared it, i.e., lay the hammer on a steel flat, flare one side, turn it over, and flare the other side. Being from the old (and uncomfortable) school of three hands and two punches, I decided to try it. It does work, but the bushing is not necessarily centered, although it seems to function fine.

Buck

 

[The Preacher]

Thanks for your insight folks. I may have to break out a file and work up a punch. As of now the rounded nail seems to have done the job. Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

The Preacher

 

[H Richard]

Just match the taper of the punch on your nail and it will work fine. Same taper works with replacing rear sight blade.