How to open Surefire E1e tailcap?

[Khaytsus]

I've tried the Google and broken internal search, no joy.. Too many random results on Google, just broken PHP settings on internal.

Anyway, I'm wanting to replace the Surefire boot in my E1e with a glow in the dark one I received and I'm not sure how to open it. It's the new type with the white switch with three copper tabs on the inside and on the outside it looks like it might unscrew, has a ring on the inside of the tail around the boot itself with two notches.

Is this what I would unscrew to replace the boot? And what would be needed, the old boil in a bag trick or have I just not tried hard enough? I gave it a bit of effort but didn't want to damage anything in case I needed something more or it all unscrewed from the inside or such.

 

[tussery]

Yes that ring is what you need to unscrew in order to dismantle the switch. I have yet to run into a switch that I have needed to boil in order to break the glue Surefire uses on the switches.

 

[Khaytsus]

Yes that ring is what you need to unscrew in order to dismantle the switch. I have yet to run into a switch that I have needed to boil in order to break the glue Surefire uses on the switches.

Any hints, tricks? Screwdriver on one side, or do you have something which you get into both sides?

I have an E/C ring tool I use on my Fenix, but it's not strong enough for this.. Well, I didn't try really hard, I didn't want to break/bend the tool.

 

[jumpstat]

There should be a specific tool that can grip both side, might try the c-clip pliers or a long nose pliers. The TC should be much easier to dismantle compared to the head as I do think that are loctite free

 

[BBL]

Be advised, the surefire boot has a very specific shape to make a seal against the body. If your new boot does not have exactly the same shape it is likely not water resistant.

 

[MarNav1]

Tool for watch backs, Snap ring pliers with flat tips or spanner wrench tools. Be careful as the anodize is thin there. I think there is a Shimano tool that works too.

 

[Numbers]

I used the tines of a fork (bend the middle one(s) out of the way) grind them down a bit if necessary. Mine opened very easily with no damage to the finish.

 

[Khaytsus]

Perhaps I'll go dig in my toolbox, I have a lot of bicycle tools out there, but nothing that comes to mind.

I've nicked the ring a little trying some needlenose, but they weren't really sharp points so they didn't fit in very well. But I did put quite a bit of torque on it, so mine seems to be glued fairly well.

As for the shape of the boot, that's a valid concern.. I'll have to compare, but the Surefire boot I have looks quite like the new ones. The bottom of the boot is very slightly thinner and the button portion very slightly larger. Talking .1-.2mm at most.