Author Topic: Question about strap button screws (Read 340 times)

grynchin · « **on:** May 14, 2006, 05:58:48 AM »

Hello all, I have an issue with my bass. I bought it and it had Schaller locking buttons on it and I immediately put Dunlops on to match my other axes. Then I decided to put the Schallers back on. You can imagine what the mahogany looks like in the strap hole. It pretty much is stripped out, because I can't tighten the Schallers back up nice and snug. I could feel the wood almost give as I tried to tork down on it. Please, I need to know the best way to repair it, whether its filling it with glue, letting it dry and drilling it again, or whatever else someone has. Thanks.

Brandon

dfung60 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2006, 06:29:32 AM »

A reasonable fix would be to dip a round wood toothpick in Elmer's (white) glue, then stick the appropriate amount into the hole. Let it dry, then reinstall the Schaller screw. The Schaller screws are much smaller than the Dunlop Straploks, so you might need to stick two toothpick sections in there.

Give it a day for the glue to dry before screwing anything in there (if the glue's not dry it will act as a lubricant instead of adhesive!).

You don't ever want to over-tighten a wood screw, but you do want strap buttons to be completely immobile, otherwise the little bit of play will allow the screw (which is under a lot of tension, probably as much as any on the entire instrument) to deform the wood that's holding it in. That starts a vicious cycle of causing the strap button to be looser, which makes it looser, etc!

2400wattman · « **Reply #2 on:** May 14, 2006, 11:05:42 AM »

I have not used glue, but I have packed a bunch of toothpicks in there and broke them off flush. Go slow putting the screw in though and lubricate the button with a little carmex(yes the lip stuff) or vasoline. But use a little bit and this will make it where your strap button won't back out of it's hole due to the weight of the bass and the friction of the button in the strap lock. It will happen w/out some lube on that button I don' care how tight that screw is. So give it some juice!!

gregbump · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2006, 01:59:23 PM »

I actually use a combination of these two tips. I break/cut off 1 or 2 short pieces of toothpick, dip them in glue, and then insert them in the hole. Install the screw right away if you like, but don't put any pressure on it for a day or so (give the glue time to dry).

Also - be sure not to leave any glue on the finish. Wipe any excess off immediately with a damp rag, or mask off the area around the hole before gluing.

grynchin · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2006, 08:32:42 PM »

Thanks alot guys, I got it fixed up, with a toothpick, dab o'glue, and inserted screw. I let it set up and it worked amazingly. I cannot thank you all enough. As simple an idea as that is, I would have never thought of it. If it were left in my hands, I'd probably have an eye-bolt hanging off of my bass right now. Your ideas were indeed appreciated.

Brandon

jazzyvee · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2006, 11:44:53 PM »

interesting that thread, as I have the same problem with my strat. I've tried the toothpick or matchstick idea with glue but it eventually works loose in time. It's one of the reasons I haven't changed the strap button on my Orion guitar.

If Alembic use inserts for everything else that screws into the wood of their instruments, why not use them to hold the strap button too?
Jazzyvee

jacko · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2006, 12:59:20 AM »

Jazzy.
I had a loose button about a year ago and I reset it after filling the hole and coating the screw in No-More-Nails. It hasn't budged since.

Graeme
p.s. dont forget to wipe away the excess.

georgie_boy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 18, 2006, 05:18:25 AM »

A good tip Graeme!
I've had a few loose buttons over the years (never on my Series though) and used the method of matches/toothpicks etc, but this no more nails seems to be great for so many things.
On which bass did you have the loose button--the Epic or the Rogue?

Take care

George

Ps
Where is Mike these days. It's been so long since I've heard from him. + when's your next gig??

jacko · « **Reply #8 on:** May 18, 2006, 05:25:33 AM »

It was on the Rogue. I think probably because the straplock provides a much more solid connection with the strap it exerts more leverage than the standard button on the epic. I've put straplocks on the epic since then but used no more nails when I fitted them. Again no problems since.
Mike's been ill recently - bronchitis or something very similar but he's getting over it. I don't think he has time to surf much these days.
The next few Big tuna dates are on the website - www.bigtuna.co.uk - but we've nothing coming up soon in your neck of the woods. Next one is 27th in Auchtermuchty. If you've any gigs coming up let me know, I'd like to hear how the series sounds.

Sorry for the brief hijack.

graeme

georgie_boy · « **Reply #9 on:** May 18, 2006, 05:35:25 AM »

GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN!
Will check out the site
Send my best to Mike!!
Shouldn't you be working Graeme???

George

jacko · « **Reply #10 on:** May 18, 2006, 05:37:53 AM »

Practising to be french by having a two hour lunch break ;-)

Graeme

georgie_boy · « **Reply #11 on:** May 18, 2006, 05:54:44 AM »

Could this be why bank charges are so high?

?

georgie_boy · « **Reply #12 on:** May 18, 2006, 05:56:48 AM »

If you want to hear my Series 1, then listen to Dave Houck's band. The sound is identical!!

lbpesq · « **Reply #13 on:** May 18, 2006, 06:24:48 AM »

No more nails?

?? I'll bite, what is it?

Bill, tgo

jacko · « **Reply #14 on:** May 18, 2006, 06:30:30 AM »

It's a (supposedly) super strong, instant grip adhesive. Becoming very popular over here for fixing skirting boards, wood paneling etc...

http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/Category.asp?iCategoryID=1009

Graeme