After Agalindo's terrific brainstorm about a tool for removing an extractor, and after breaking screwdriver tips trying to duplicate his results (apparently my screwdrivers are made of too high-quality steel
), I set out to fabricate my own tool.
My first try was with the remnant of the broken screwdriver. I used a belt sander and moto-tool to create a hook on the end, analogous to the bent-tip screwdriver. That's the smallest tool in the pics below.
Then I tried one made of 1/8" thick stock. That's the middle one.
Both worked pretty well, but I wanted one with more removal pressure, so I made up the third one, also of 1/8" stock. It is thin enough to fit in the narrow slot, and the width is narrow enough to be inserted in the slot below the extractor.
In the pics, it's noted that there's a relief ground into the back of the tool. This allows it to rock away from the extractor enough to engage the hook. Then it's a matter of levering it up, which is trivial.
There's also a bit of the corner taken off to enable it to fit the slot easier. If you look at the slot on your XD slide where the tool needs to be inserted, you'll see why this is desirable.
As has been noted, there are several ways to do this. The screwdriver approach is easiest if the steel is mild enough. A hex wrench can also be used (I didn't try it). Or you can make your own.
I've used them in both my .45 and the 9mm.
Pics follow.
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