Straplock problem

slink · Post by **slink** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:11 pm

I have had Schaller straplocks on my bass for 18 years with no problems and I recently installed new Schaller straplocks and the screw in the one keeps slowly backing out and I have to retighten it. I went to Lowes to check out thread lock but that was made for metal to metal and I need something for metal to wood.

Anybody here have this problem and how did you deal with it.

Colton · Post by **Colton** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:36 pm

My HM Strat was doing that, put some wood glue in it and it held just fine.

Bloodsong · Post by **Bloodsong** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:41 pm

a small piece of wood like a toothpick placed in the hole and levelled off and dipped in some wood glue also works nicely...

Colton · Post by **Colton** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:59 pm

Yepper, make sure you use the tiny end of one of those small flat toothpicks, not the big round ones

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:03 pm

I use the round toothpicks in mine, I cut the point off the end and then glue it in.
The flat toothpicks dont provide enough material for the screw to grip onto in my experience.
But the best way would be to drill the hole out removing the excess wood chips and shavings and plug it with a snug fitting piece of wood, so when the screw goes into it, it expands the plug out against the body providing an even tighter fit.

Colton · Post by **Colton** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:06 pm

The screwholes in my HM are pretty small, a round toothpick would completely fill it. I guess if you wanted to drill it out, then it would work.

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:11 pm

Colton wrote:The screwholes in my HM are pretty small, a round toothpick would completely fill it. I guess if you wanted to drill it out, then it would work.

The point is to fill it and have the wood expand around it for a tighter fit.
And a toothpick is so weak it doesn't require redrilling, just simply put the screw back into it and forget about it.

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:17 pm

If the thread is a different pitch, you want to get a screw that matches the pitch or you'll definitely strip the wood.

I usually use the original screw if possible and stash the straplock screw in a baggie and put it in my stashbox.

orangekick · Post by **orangekick** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:46 pm

I have actually used plastic toy "pick up sticks" trimmed to fit in the hole. The screws grab the plastic on their way in and then stay put without glue.

slink · Post by **slink** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 3:58 am

So many good replies, thanks guys. keeping the original screw is a good idea but alas it is gone. I'm going to dip a toothpick or two in wood glue and give that a try, sounds like good advice.

THANKS

Killjingle · Post by **Killjingle** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 3:43 pm

I always liked Schaller locks.

The last 2 sets I bought though fell apart. anyone else have this problem? It was only the black ones I bought; not the chrome. The pull pin gets loose ;blows off and then the spring gets lost...

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:44 pm

Killjingle wrote:I always liked Schaller locks.

The last 2 sets I bought though fell apart. anyone else have this problem? It was only the black ones I bought; not the chrome. The pull pin gets loose ;blows off and then the spring gets lost...

Ahh. You will have to find some Pre-China vintage ones.

I am still using 3 sets that I bought 25 years ago.

Bloodsong · Post by **Bloodsong** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:37 pm

i've also heard of guys using golf tees instead of toothpicks...

tonefight · Post by **tonefight** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:32 am

Might be a little on the caveman side of things but I usually find the biggest longest screw that will seat in the button and run it in with a battery drill

You might not wanna take my advice on this one though.

JackANSI · Post by **JackANSI** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 3:14 pm

If you're ever caught out at a show and something like this happens, any piece of paper you can roll up small enough will work for a temp fix, then you can remove it easy and fix it right on the bench.

The one time I did this I used the ink tube out of a ballpoint pen as a 'form' to wrap 2 turns of newspaper on. Worked well enough I thought about leaving it that way, then I decided to remove the paper and use a golf tee and redrill.

DMFJ03 · Post by **DMFJ03** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:40 pm

In addition to the toothpicks and wood glue, scratch the screw against a bar of soap too. This will ease removal if you ever have to take it out, and doesn't comprimise stability.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 4:43 pm

I've had this problem with two basses that I installed straplocks with. I'd have to retighten the screw at the beginning of the night before I put the strap on. The toothpick always solved the problem for me, but it was never a long term solution. I'd always eventually break the toothpick. I like a lot of the ideas that you cats have. The last bass I bought came with locks installed, and I haven't had any problems with them.

Colton · Post by **Colton** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 7:38 pm

Just duct tape the damn strap to the guitar

VinceM25 · Post by **VinceM25** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 12:51 am

i like colton's idea. or maybe some epoxy. i think you can actually get wood epoxy at home depot or lowe's, but then you will never get the screw out ever again.

slink · Post by **slink** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 11:50 pm

I fixed the problem with wood glue and tooth picks and have since played 5 jobs and haven't had a problem since. The glue had a nice aroma to it I'd give it a 9.5.

killedbydeath · Post by **killedbydeath** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:49 am

wood glue and a small hardwood dow rod

Colton · Post by **Colton** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:28 am

Colton wrote:Just duct tape the damn strap to the guitar

Seriously, its not a g'damn 911gt2...

DrumAndDestroy · Post by **DrumAndDestroy** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:30 am

Colton wrote:
Colton wrote:Just duct tape the damn strap to the guitar
Seriously, its not a g'damn 911gt2...

agreed