[vindibona1]

The inflammation in my hands has gotten worse with arthritis making it more difficult to rack my 43x so I ordered this NDZ slide racker assist. It's made of aluminum and seems to be well constructed. I know that it simply replaces the back cap on my 43x. When I do to install it I have no problem depressing the plastic sheath around the striker, but when it comes to going over the extractor depresser plunger I cannnot figure out how to push that down to slide the slide racker over it. I can get the plunger depressed, but the contruction of the assist hasn't allowed me to slide the assist over the plunger. I've tried to push it with a punch, get under the racker with a thin screw driver and just wrestled with it to no avail.

What's t trick to this final stage of the installation?

 

[Bullwinkle J Moose]

Youtube is your friend.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Installing+Glock+slide+cover+plate

.

 

[Lt. Donn]

If YT doesn't help, I'll bet your LGS would likely snap it on for you pronto

 

[Fatboy2001]

Keep us posted - thinking about getting one.

 

[ajensen]

This link is from the manufacturer. They use a G17 but the back plate removal is the same.

 

[vindibona1]

Well... frustration ensued before attempting to install the device with a narrower punch...
My arthritis got the best of me and I struggled to get the OEM backplate off. I'd done it dozens of times, but this time was far more difficult because of the pain and loss of finger strength. I finally did force the plate off, but in doing to it let loose suddenly before I could cover the back... and the spring and cap of the extractor plunger (not the plunger itself) launched into space. I didn't even see it come out. I've been searching every inch of floor to find the spring and cap but to no avail. So I just ordered a replacement of the spring cap and plunger kit which should be here mid week .
It's a depressing situation because I hate when that happens. Often, when I take my slide apart I do it in a box in case of flying parts. I did not do it this time but at my desk in my office... and paid the price. I'm hopeful that when I get the parts a thinner punch will help me install the slide racker. Stay tuned.

 

[nerr]

OP: Sorry to hear about your 'sproing' moment. Murphy is always watching and waiting for that 'one time I didn't take precautions' moment.

At least for metal parts like the spring, I've had good success finding small parts using a small, powerful magnet. My favorite magent is installed in the bottom of a metal frame with a hook on top. I put a string on the hook to lower into hard-to-reach places.

You probably know this, but be sure to test install the new striker plate without any spring tension whatever inside the slide. Get a feel for how it installs with no spring tension. Long ago, I successfully installed 'The Gadget' on a Glock slide. I liked it so I got another 'gadget'. But this was on a clone slide and it was too tight to fit without taking drastic measures so I gave up attempting to force it further with the plate halfway up.

Yes, there's the risk of getting it stuck even without spring pressure, but take your choice.

 

[vindibona1]

OP: Sorry to hear about your 'sproing' moment. Murphy is always watching and waiting for that 'one time I didn't take precautions' moment.

At least for metal parts like the spring, I've had good success finding small parts using a small, powerful magnet. My favorite magent is installed in the bottom of a metal frame with a hook on top. I put a string on the hook to lower into hard-to-reach places.

You probably know this, but be sure to test install the new striker plate without any spring tension whatever inside the slide. Get a feel for how it installs with no spring tension. Long ago, I successfully installed 'The Gadget' on a Glock slide. I liked it so I got another 'gadget'. But this was on a clone slide and it was too tight to fit without taking drastic measures so I gave up attempting to force it further with the plate halfway up.

Yes, there's the risk of getting it stuck even without spring pressure, but take your choice.

Great suggestions!
I love the magnet idea and strong neodymium magnets on hand. I usually just use a strong flashlight almost parallel with the floor to isolate the viewing angle and bring out details of small items. But I think I’ll take your idea and create some sort of “minesweeper” device as the flashlight has revealed nothing and relies on my wonky vision. What’s making this treasure hunt more difficult is that the plunger ride itself stayed in the slide and I’m only looking for the small spring with a cap attached.

 

[Grabbrass]

The inflammation in my hands has gotten worse with arthritis making it more difficult to rack my 43x so I ordered this NDZ slide racker assist. It's made of aluminum and seems to be well constructed. I know that it simply replaces the back cap on my 43x. When I do to install it I have no problem depressing the plastic sheath around the striker, but when it comes to going over the extractor depresser plunger I cannnot figure out how to push that down to slide the slide racker over it. I can get the plunger depressed, but the contruction of the assist hasn't allowed me to slide the assist over the plunger. I've tried to push it with a punch, get under the racker with a thin screw driver and just wrestled with it to no avail.

What's t trick to this final stage of the installation?

View attachment 1221781 View attachment 1221783

How are you racking your pistol's slide, OP? Slingshot, i.e. pinch and pull from behind? Or over-the-top, i.e. grab on top and push it back?

Not trying to insult you with the question. Sorry if this is obvious and irrelevant to you. But slingshot is much more difficult if your pinch strength is diminished.

Don't do this.

Do this! And mind Rule 1!

 

[Schrag4]

I know I'll get flamed for saying this, but perhaps one of those 380 guns with some sort of "EZ" racking systems might be better for you. Yeah, it's not "manly" to carry a 380, but I guarantee the recipient of these projectiles won't know the difference, in the moment. You would be giving up some marginal performance, I will admit, but at the end of the day, handguns are really only good for punching holes, not creating massive wound cavities (that's what rifles and shotguns are for). Just a thought.

 

[vindibona1]

How are you racking your pistol's slide, OP? Slingshot, i.e. pinch and pull from behind? Or over-the-top, i.e. grab on top and push it back?

Not trying to insult you with the question. Sorry if this is obvious and irrelevant to you. But slingshot is much more difficult if your pinch strength is diminished.

Don't do this.
View attachment 1221996


Do this! And mind Rule 1!
View attachment 1221997

Almost always over the top. It’s easier on the grip and faster from condition 3. The difference in my technique from the illustration is that instead of using 4 fingers plus palm my thumb and side of my index finger create the opposing pressure. I can’t close my hand tight enough to get a secure grip gripping it as shown. I have better luck with my 48 which has a red dot and doesn’t rely so much on grip strength. I just thought I would try the racking device to see if it helps. I never did like pinch racking even when my grip was really strong. I’ll sometimes use the pinch method when the slide is locked open. However, I don’t have too bad of time pinching and racking from the front slide separations. But I don’t think I do that very often with the live fire though it’s different when I practice with dry fire.

In the meantime my 43x will await a replacement plunger and I’ll shoot my 48 and 1911. I haven’t shot the 1911 for a few months so perhaps this makes for the perfect opportunity [I hate the takedown of the 1911 for cleaning].

 

[Grabbrass]

Almost always over the top. It’s easier on the grip and faster from condition 3. The difference in my technique from the illustration is that instead of using 4 fingers plus palm my thumb and side of my index finger create the opposing pressure. I can’t close my hand tight enough to get a secure grip gripping it as shown. I have better luck with my 48 which has a red dot and doesn’t rely so much on grip strength. I just thought I would try the racking device to see if it helps. I never did like pinch racking even when my grip was really strong.

In the meantime my 43x will await a replacement plunger and I’ll shoot my 48 and 1911. I haven’t shot the 1911 for a few months so perhaps this makes for the perfect opportunity [I hate the takedown of the 1911 for cleaning].

I apologize for bringing it up then. But, ya never know.

My HK VP9 has such "wings" built in and I love it.

 

[MARINE DIVISION TWO]

I have the steel one that gives enough of a hand grip on my G 43X .