Tools Needed To Build Your AKM

While all complete receivers are required to go through a FFL (therefore a background check) most states allow you to "manufacture" your own from an 80%.  Brands that come to mind Childers and Recreator Blanks.

 Estimated Cost: $70-$130

Hands down the most popular would be the AK Builder Rivet Jig. It comes with everything you need to dimple and rivet your standard AK receivers. Also, an AK Builder Rivet Head Drilling Tool is highly recommended as it will make removing rivets much easier, because lets face it, you're going to mess up a few rivets at first.

 Estimated Cost: $300+

Riveting the trigger guard sometimes can be difficult. Using the proper tool like the AK Builder jig shown above will definitely make it much easier. There are other brands out there but this one seems to be the best by far.

 Estimated Cost: $75-$100

Working with an 80%? You'll definitely need a jig to help ensure all the holes you're about the drill are lined up perfectly. The AK Builder jig does a fantastic job and can be reused over and over.  The kit comes with the drill bits required but make sure you maintain or replace them often.

Estimated Cost: $110

When it's time to install your barrel and barrel components, make sure you have a set of go and no go gauges, a barrel press jig, a brass barrel press puck, and lastly your barrel population tools. All these too can be found at AK Builder and Toth Tools.

 Estimated Cost: $200+

Using high quality drill bits and reamers are crucial to building a quality AK. Ensuring you're using a sharp cutting tool with plenty of lubrication will make your life so much easier. Some reamers you might need are 5mm, 7mm, .300", and 314". A few of the drill bits required are 0.1285", .177", 5/32", 7/32", 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 7mm. Stick with 135 degree HSS bits, AK Builder and Arms of America carry most if not all of these. 

 Estimated Cost: $50-$150 

Simply put you "can" build an AK with simply a drill press, even the $69 Harbor Freight one but it's going to be rough. Look on craigslist or eBay for something used. Personally I'm a fan of the Grizzly units for something that is budget friendly but still well made.

 Estimated Cost: $500-$1000+

Do you need the worlds best vise? No, the Harbor Freight will do. Just make sure it's bolted down to a stable working surface. A set of soft jaws from Amazon plus some pieces of wood will be nice to have on hand as well.

 Estimated Cost: $75-$100

Other tools required included a big f*cking hammer, a rubber mallet, calipers (digital is the way), different size c-clamps, 90 degree angles to ensure your barrel components are clocked correctly, a bubble level, a variety of punches, a small file set, an assortment of sand paper and lastly a 12 or 20 ton press

 Estimated Cost: $200-$300 for the press. The rest you probably already have laying around.