Bicycle Mechanics - Bar plug grief

I finally decided that my old stock bar tape wasn't cutting it anymore, so I decided to rewrap with some silver fizik microtex tape. The wrapping went remarkably well, but I am having a beast of a time getting the freaking bar plugs installed.

I finally got one in after resorting to using a hammer, but I have since thought better of that method. Does anyone have any tricks they use for installing these infernal things?

Thanks

Yes - hammer aka mallet

Small rubber mallet works well for me.....

that's what I was afraid of. thanks for the advice, I finally made it work. :)

Velox bar plugs have a compression bolt so they slip into the bar end easily then tighten in place with no hammering. They aren't pretty but are convenient.

Small rubber head mallet. Just don't beat on it like a amped up LAPD cop.

The proper way to tape bars is starting at the ends and ending up in the middle. That way the forward pressure from your hands above the brake hoods doesn't bear on the exposed edge, opening up the wraps. Yes, you have to secure the tape near the stem, which is why manufacturers do it the quick and dirty way, starting in the middle and using the plugs to secure the tape.

Get the smaller bar plugs that have a screw and wedge expander system. Easy on, easy off time after time.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/handlebars/handlebars.html

Harris shows teh Velox plugs on their page.