Installation can be accomplished with hand tools and a bit of time. That said, this is strictly at your own risk, do not attempt without the proper tools and abilities. This guide shows two ways (in two colors) to disassemble your twisty tailcap, and then how to put your new clicky tailcap together. It’s helpful to read through and familiarize yourself with all the steps, then return to the beginning to do each step. Important notes are in red.

 

Overview

This is the rivet that holds the aluminum disk onto the button under the boot. There are two ways to remove it, shown here as options 1A + 2A -or- 1B + 2B. Select the method that works best for your tools, abilities, and patience. There is a third method which leaves less damage, but requires custom tooling. Special note: if you look through the spring and see a hex/allen head, you have an older style that is easier to disassemble. Remove the spring (step 1B) and then simply unscrew it!

Step 1A

Place your Z41 on a clean, non marring surface. This can be wood, plastic or even an open phone book.
Then position a flat headed punch in the exact center of the old boot. 3/32″ (~2mm) is best. No bigger!

Step 2A

Strike the punch with a small hammer until the metal assembly drops out, 2-3 times should do it.
This leaves everything in perfect condition, except the boot. It will be scared and possibly torn/punctured.

 

 

 

Step 1B

Place a small flat headed screwdriver into the side of the spring. Then rotate your tailcap as you force the screwdriver into the lower coils. As you go, stop rotation long enough to try levering the screwdriver. Continue to turn and lever, until the spring pops out.

 

Step 2B

While bracing the tailcap, use a strong pair of narrow pliers to secure and then pull on the aluminum disk inside. This may require considerable force, potentially damaging both the aluminum disk and gasket. Baking (or boil in a cooking/freezer grade bag) your tailcap for 10-20 minutes (2-300 degrees) may soften the plastic that is holding the rivet. Let it cool before handling!

 

Step 3

Once the metal is out of the way, what remains is a plastic nut/disk. This is usually held in place with adhesive. Baking (or boil in a cooking/freezer grade bag) your tailcap for 10-20 minutes (2-300 degrees) may weaken the adhesive enough to make it easier to break loose.

Insert needle type pliers into the slot and hold them pressed both down and outward, toward the ends/outside of the slots. Then turn (unscrew) the disk. This may require considerable force, depending on how secure it is. About a third of all tailcaps cannot be rotated without baking, even with special tools. Let it cool before handling!

 

Step 4

Consider cleaning your tailcap (especially inside) before proceeding. If using soap/water, let it dry.
Place the new boot (taller and with a smaller flange) inside the empty tailcap.
Using your finger, press it up through the hole and check for even/square installation.

 

Step 5 (not shown)

With the switch already inside the brass ring, hold/pinch the spring/brass assembly with your thumb and first finger. Gently square the assembly inside the larger tailcap opening, locating the threads. Spin the tailcap with your other hand, starting the threads. Continue spinning/tightening the tailcap until your fingers are well inside the tailcap.

 

Step 6

Insert long/narrow pliers into the torque slots of the brass disk. Hold the pliers in such a way as to apply outward pressure on the handles (bracing against the brass slots), then begin to tighten the assembly into place. As you finish, check the boot again for proper alignment (centered etc.). Then tighten down the disk the rest of the way. When ready, release pressure on the pliers before removing them.

 

Extra Notes

  • Consider doing a bit of testing before doing your final big tighten.
  • Check for switch function, and that the boot is snug, but not stretched against the McClicky.
  • To tight (the fit, not the disk) and it will activate to easily. To much slack and it will lag before activating.
  • Fit can be tailored by changing the height of the ‘nub’ on the underside/center of the boot (softpress only).
  • Clean the tail end of your SF body before the first installation, this will leave the brass shiny and improve connectivity.
  • Enjoy!