Installing Strike on pre-07 Viper

[Jon H]

I realize that the Strike was an afterthought when the original Viper was designed, but the attachment system is... for lack of a word... terrible.

 

I've been trying to install this damn thing for the better part of an hour. The two holes in the steel band simply can't line up without just the perfect modulation of pressure from your fingers, but soon as you place the strike piece on top to install it, you are no longer able to hold the steel band properly. I've tried wrapping the whole thing in electrical tape to hold it steady, but that's no good (adds too much thickness). Tried using pre-tensioned fishing line to line the holes up (from the top, non-threaded hole around to one of the stamped cutouts in the band), but the screw and/or the sharp edge of the band cut the line before I'm able to get the screw seated.

 

Any tips?

 

PS - Who knew they were sold one-at-a-time? I just used up a store credit of $15 at backcountry.com - imagine my dismay when only one shows up at my door. WTF. No way in hell would I spend $15 each on these if I knew that ahead of time. A piece of injected molded plastic and stamped steel band? BD's cost on these is 10-12 cents. I get more and more pissed off every second I think about this.

[EastCoastBastard]

Yes, it is a true pain in the ass to install them. I found it helpful to sort of pre-crimp the metal band (like bend it past the correct point before you put it on the tool) so that you don't need as much pressure from your fingers. But yes, I was incredibly frustrated when I put mine on.

 

Good luck