Who can rivet a winding key? See attached pix

[RANGERRON72]

Auto Ordnance New York L drum bought 15 years ago,  where someone "fixed" the winding key with a phillips head screw and nut,  as shown in pix.    Who can reinstall an original or close it original rivet to restore this key to its original configuration.      Email  ron.burgy@coloradoclass3.com if easier  

[Sig]

I don't know about how to repair that.  It would seem the two rivets would need to be removed, replace the one, and then back to replacing the two rivets.  

This is available though

 

https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/long-gun-magazines/thompson-thompson-drum-magazine-key-t12bwk.asp

[TSMG28]

RANGERRON72,

Sig is correct.  The only way I know to properly rivet a new pad in place is to disassemble the key completely.  You may be able to find a replacement winding key that is correct for the drum.  It will have a light grit-blasted finish like the rest of the drum exterior.  I don't think the current Kahr winding keys are grit blasted, so that would stand out against the drum cover.  Your call.

If you want to improve your current lockup, I suggest finding a different screw head with vertical edges rather than the beveled edges of the existing screw head.  The locking pad (screw head) should be approximately 0.310" diameter, and approximately 0.100" thick.  The latch hole it inserts into should be 1/8" diameter, though that may have been modified by whoever added the current screw.  Also, I recommend finding a nut that is slightly thinner to allow more vertical movement of the latch mechanism.

IMHO, improving the current makeshift repair is probably preferable to disassembling the entire key, and then having three replacement rivets.  The pad for the latch would likely need to be fabricated before being riveted in place, as I have never seen any for sale.  You can then keep your eyes open for a correct replacement winding key.  You never know when one will pop up.  Any of the WWII winding keys that were grit blasted would be close if you cannot find a Worcester key.

FWIW

[First Sergeant]

One of my 1st year Taiwanese L drums is missing this rivet as well. I was pretty much going to ask Roger in August if he had a fix.   A replacement key, as Sig suggested, is the correct fix for mine. Your drum is a whole different story.  Get the correct key or nearly correct key.  Good luck on your search. 

 

[spall]

Another possibility would be to turn a two piece rivet on a lathe and tig them together on the flat side. With a little work, it could be indistinguishable from original.

I suppose one might be able to make a (at least one time use) bucking bar that could slip in the gap and do a traditional rivet installation.

I guess it really just gets down to how much effort and expense you want to put into a winding key.

Edited June 25, 2024 by spall