Salutemysolution Posted April 21, 2009 Posted April 21, 2009 I have the Schaller strap locks on my H150. The lock on the back of the guitar kept coming loose from the guitar shifting around. Essentially it was unscrewing it. I kept tightening it back up not wanting to strip it out. Well it is stripped out, however I didn't do it from torqueing it too much. I guess the movement of piece on the strap did it. So I have two questions: Has anyone had this problem? Is there a way to fix it other than having to drill a new hole in the back of the guitar?
yoslate Posted April 21, 2009 Posted April 21, 2009 I'm assuming, Salute, that you mean the screw, securing the strap button to the guitar's body, has worked its way out, stripping the hole for the woodscrew in the process? This issue has been addressed in several threads here, and there will be plenty of suggestions, all good. My solution has always been to shim the "stripped" hole with a toothpick. No glue or anything else. Same hole, same screw run back into the hole into which I'd slid a toothpick, cut to the length of the depth of the hole....
barrymclark Posted April 21, 2009 Posted April 21, 2009 My solution has always been to shim the "stripped" hole with a toothpick. No glue or anything else. Same hole, same screw run back into the hole into which I'd slid a toothpick, cut to the length of the depth of the hole....HA! That is exactly how I do it and the buttons have stayed in for YEARS. I just stick the toothpick in there. Break it off. Screw goes back in... bingo. Master Luthiery. ;D
Salutemysolution Posted April 21, 2009 Author Posted April 21, 2009 I appreciate the suggestion. So I'm assuming this is a common problem with these locks.
barrymclark Posted April 21, 2009 Posted April 21, 2009 I appreciate the suggestion. So I'm assuming this is a common problem with these locks.Strap buttons in general.
Thundersteel Posted April 21, 2009 Posted April 21, 2009 The problem is that the strap lock screws have a smaller diameter than the original screws. But I'll vouch for the toothpick method. I've NEVER had a problem with mine!
Kuz Posted April 21, 2009 Posted April 21, 2009 I'm assuming, Salute, that you mean the screw, securing the strap button to the guitar's body, has worked its way out, stripping the hole for the woodscrew in the process? This issue has been addressed in several threads here, and there will be plenty of suggestions, all good. My solution has always been to shim the "stripped" hole with a toothpick. No glue or anything else. Same hole, same screw run back into the hole into which I'd slid a toothpick, cut to the length of the depth of the hole.... Yep it works like a charm. Sometimes need to use 2 toothpicks per hole, then it's rock solid.
Thundersteel Posted April 21, 2009 Posted April 21, 2009 use a bigger screw Ah, but there is a limit. If the screw head is too big, then it won't fit into the strap lock. I've heard some people use bigger screws, but then grind down the head so it'll fit.
barrymclark Posted April 21, 2009 Posted April 21, 2009 Ah, but there is a limit. If the screw head is too big, then it won't fit into the strap lock. I've heard some people use bigger screws, but then grind down the head so it'll fit. Yep. Too much work for me. A toothpick or two... job done.
Gitfiddler Posted April 21, 2009 Posted April 21, 2009 +1 for the toothpick luthiery method PLUS add a bit of soap or wax onto the screw ridges.
Paul P Posted April 22, 2009 Posted April 22, 2009 +1 for the toothpick luthiery method PLUS add a bit of soap or wax onto the screw ridges. While wax on the threads is a very good idea when the hole is new I'm not sure I'd use any if I was going the toothpick route as it could get in between the toothpick and the hole wall where there isn't much friction begin with. Me, I'd fill the hole with epoxy and bits of wood and then redrill a new hole. I think the toothpick method works by jamming something between the hole wall and the screw thereby forcing the screw to cut new threads in the opposite wall. I believe it's these threads (a fairly narrow band of threads) that then do all the work since both the toothpick and the wall it's stuck to are smooth. I wouldn't trust a toothpick myself though I acknowledge that many people have done it with good results. I have read of people putting glue in the hole along with the toothpick and then screwing in the screw while the glue is wet. This is probably pretty good but might make removing the screw difficult.
High Flying Bird Posted April 22, 2009 Posted April 22, 2009 ........ add a bit of soap or wax onto the screw ridges. Listen to the man from San Fran.........
smurph1 Posted April 22, 2009 Posted April 22, 2009 I Have never had the problem myself, but the Dan Earlewine book suggests using some wood, toothpick etc and a bit of glue, to remedy the problem..It seems like almost any of the previous suggestions would work though..I just put straplocks on my 140 a couple of days ago, so I hope I don't have that problem..
barrymclark Posted April 22, 2009 Posted April 22, 2009 You normally know right off. That has been my experience.
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