TAURUS PT709 SLIM SLIDE CAP WITH INDICATOR

Included are both plain (simple replacement) and striker indicating versions of the Taurus PT709 Slim slide cap. The plain version is a drop in replacement with no added functionality, and the indicating version uses a spring loaded plunger that is pressed on by the striker (when cocked) to poke a button out of the slide cap, providing visual and tactile confirmation that your ready to rock, for safety of course.

Supplies:
No supplies needed other than filament for the plain cap. The indicator cap requires a small spring, either from a click pen or (my preference) the flint spring from a used bic lighter. Also a typical 25X1.5mm nail is needed.

Print settings:
Use standard Fanny Blaster print settings, but perhaps decrease layer height to 0.1mm for the sake of these small parts. Can be printed flat (as is) with supports in the recess for the firing pin sleeve. Can also be printed upright and upside-down, which will afford you a cleaner overall print, especially in the sleeve recess. Just support overhangs but use adequate cooling as this is a lot of dwell time on a small part.

Assembly:
00-This howto is written for assembly and installation of the indicating slide cover. For the non-indicating version, follow steps 1,2,10-14.
01-Carefully remove parts from bed with putty knife or small soft mallet.
02-Clean parts of any brims, strings, and supports.
03-Cut one bound end of the bic spring off, and from there measure in 3.5mm (about 4 loops) and cut. Measure 8mm from the head of the nail and cut. Keep these measured and cut pieces.
04-Using a vice or strong priers, knurl the cut end of the nail, marring the surface sufficiently to aid in anchoring into plastic.
05-Example of knurling.
06-Assemble the printed parts so that the tops of the button and cover are flush, and move freely of one another.
07-Put the piece of spring on the nail, hold the head of it with pliers or forceps, and with a butane torch heat the knurled end of the assembled nail-plunger for 6-8 seconds. 
08-Promptly take insert the nail into the hole at the back of the assembled cover, and firmly press it in while applying pressure to the button on the opposite side. Do this until it stops, leaving about a 2.5mm gap between the nail head and the cover plate.
09-Inspect your assembled cover plate, making sure that the plunger operates freely and the button protrudes from the back of the cover.
10-Dissasemble the slide from your frame, and place it upside down on your work surface. Get a spudger or small screwdriver.
11-Using the screwdriver or spudger, pull back on the orange plastic sleeve to disengage it from the slide cover, and slide it up and out.
12-Gently relieve tension on the sleeve. You have removed the cover.
13-Installation is the same as removal in reverse: use your tool to pull back the sleeve, and slide the new cover in place.
14-Again, relieve tension on the sleeve, and it should recess into the depression in the back of the new cover, locking it into place.
15-After reassembling the slide onto the frame, cycle to function check, noting the button’s protrusion from the cover. It should poke out about half way, and NOT interfere with the striker. In the cocked position, check  that you can still slightly pull the button out, even by a tiny amount. This should ensure theres no chance of the plunger impeding on the striker's rearward travel. If it checks out, congratulations!

DO BE AWARE! As this design currently stands, there remains the possibility that with enough wear, heat, or improper installation, this device could come apart and lodge the nail somewhere in the action.