5 pin jack on S1 keeps getting loose

[glocke]

The 5 pin jack on my S1 keeps working it's way loose, the bass stopped working on one gig as a result of that and it seems like maybe every couple of months I'll need to remove the backplate and tighten it.  Is there any reason I cannot put loc-tite on that setscrew ? 

[lembic76450]

Greg,  years ago I had an issue with my P-Bass, pre Alembic days, where the
bridge screws would back out on their own until the the "G" would just sit on
the frets.  My tech at the time used nail polish to secure the screws.  It worked
great and with a small screw driver the seal could be broken if an adjustment
was needed.  A small drop of nail polish re secured the screw.  I would fear that
Loc-Tite would be too permanent.
Just be careful to not get either on the finish.

[rv_bass]

How about trying a small locking washer?

[hdfixer]

There is a low strength Loctite 222MS you could try?

[garyhead]

There is a low strength Loctite 222MS you could try?

I use that Purple Locktite.  Its for locking set screws so easy to break the seal with even the smallest screwdrivers.  Reminder (I learned the hard way) Do Not store locktite in a sealed container (zip lock bag)  Locktite needs to be stored in a semi permeable container...like the tube it comes in.

[lbpesq]

Purple Loctite is for automotive use.  It is low strength, but can withstand very high temperature.   You want to use Blue Loctite.  The seal can easily be broken with normal hand strength.  Avoid the Red Loctite which is for more permanent use.  And, like Gary mentioned above, DON’T store it in an airtight environment.   That will cause it to solidify.   

Bill, tgo

[garyhead]

I stand corrected on the automotive Locktite!  Another example of the wealth of knowledge on this forum. It’s why I enjoy hanging out here.   

[JimmyJ]

Is Gregory talking about the small reverse-threaded set screw (depending on mfg) holding the center of the plug into the shell?  Or the screws and nuts mounting the entire jack to the wood?  I've changed all my plugs and jacks to Neutrix and had good long-lasting luck.

Jimmy J

[glocke]

Is Gregory talking about the small reverse-threaded set screw (depending on mfg) holding the center of the plug into the shell?  Or the screws and nuts mounting the entire jack to the wood?  I've changed all my plugs and jacks to Neutrix and had good long-lasting luck.

Jimmy J

Hi Jimmy

It is the small setscrew holding the center of the plug into the shell.

[JimmyJ]

It is the small setscrew holding the center of the plug into the shell.

Yes, that's an irritating "feature" of this jack.  And it's difficult to apply any torque to that screw with the jeweler's screwdriver needed to reach it.  I concur with the others that you could try some blue Locktite if you can tighten the screw and get a drop in there.  If that doesn't work ... how are you at soldering??

Jimmy J

[dfung60]

You know, blue Loctite in the red tube!  That's the one!  At least they actually made the blue Loctite blue colored...

Hopefully this will solve your problem.  Whether metal screws or wood screws, the problem is created when the screw loosened in the first place.  This creates the opportunity for a tiny amount of play in the screw hole, and when stress is applied it deforms the thread contact.  The poorer thread fit causes more degradation of the connection and the next thing you know, the screws are constantly unscrewing themselves.  The good part is that just filling the spaces in the thread contact area will fix the problem.  The blue Loctite should do the job perfectly.

[edwardofhuncote]

One other suggestion, if you haven't already tried it Greg... loop your 5-pin cable through your strap. Those 5-pin jacks are usually oriented so that the cable-end is pointing towards the rear of the bass. If unsupported, gravity wants to pull it downward.

[glocke]

One other suggestion, if you haven't already tried it Greg... loop your 5-pin cable through your strap. Those 5-pin jacks are usually oriented so that the cable-end is pointing towards the rear of the bass. If unsupported, gravity wants to pull it downward.

Yeah, I've tried that and thats actually how I had the cable setup on the gig where the jack came loose and the bass died.

I'll try blue loc-tite in the short term, but this bass may actually get sent back to the Mothership for an upgrade to S2 electronics.