Members holden_caufield9 Posted December 16, 2009 Members Share Posted December 16, 2009 I bought a used guitar recently and the strap button's screw head is totally stripped. I mean, I couldnt work this thing out if I tried because the phillips slot is completely rounded out. Anyone have any suggestions on how to get this sucker out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Saturn Posted December 16, 2009 Members Share Posted December 16, 2009 Run up to Sears (or other hardware store) and get a screw extractor. I have one I think it's called "The Gator" or something like that. Put it in a drill and you drill into the head then reverse the drill and out the screw comes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mike42 Posted December 16, 2009 Members Share Posted December 16, 2009 I've always had mixed results with screw extractors, particularly the small ones. If it's not a hardend screw you may be able to just drill the head off of it, and get on it with vice grips, etc.. Or, if you don't mind ruining the post just slot the head with a dremel, or cut the head off with a hack saw. I'm not arguing against trying the extractor - I just wouldn't be too disappointed if it doesn't work as advertised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Brewski Posted December 16, 2009 Members Share Posted December 16, 2009 that is a drag man - I hate when that happens - good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members gearhead1972 Posted December 16, 2009 Members Share Posted December 16, 2009 I've always had mixed results with screw extractors, particularly the small ones. If it's not a hardend screw you may be able to just drill the head off of it, and get on it with vice grips, etc.. Or, if you don't mind ruining the post just slot the head with a dremel, or cut the head off with a hack saw. I'm not arguing against trying the extractor - I just wouldn't be too disappointed if it doesn't work as advertised. This is exactly how I would go about it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members holden_caufield9 Posted December 16, 2009 Author Members Share Posted December 16, 2009 I've always had mixed results with screw extractors, particularly the small ones. If it's not a hardend screw you may be able to just drill the head off of it, and get on it with vice grips, etc.. Or, if you don't mind ruining the post just slot the head with a dremel, or cut the head off with a hack saw. I'm not arguing against trying the extractor - I just wouldn't be too disappointed if it doesn't work as advertised. The only thing that concerns me here is that it's a duncan straplock button and the screw is way down in the hole. I dont think i could get to it w/ a dremel or hacksaw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mike42 Posted December 17, 2009 Members Share Posted December 17, 2009 Ah so, you do have a bit of a problem. I just looked at one of my guitars with dunlops, and I think I might try a hacksaw or dremel just behind the head of the screw. Don't cut into the screw, but just try to cut around the post until you can break the post off, and leave the screw head so you've still got something to grab onto. Seems to me that the dunlops are very light material compared to other strap hardware.X It may be pretty hard stuff, but hopefully you could get it weak enough to break off behind the head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members holden_caufield9 Posted December 17, 2009 Author Members Share Posted December 17, 2009 Ah so, you do have a bit of a problem. I just looked at one of my guitars with dunlops, and I think I might try a hacksaw or dremel just behind the head of the screw. Don't cut into the screw, but just try to cut around the post until you can break the post off, and leave the screw head so you've still got something to grab onto. Seems to me that the dunlops are very light material compared to other strap hardware.X It may be pretty hard stuff, but hopefully you could get it weak enough to break off behind the head. I can try that. I'm gonna cross my fingers and try a screw extractor first i think. if that doesnt work, I might just take it to a shop and let a pro mess w/ it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members holden_caufield9 Posted December 22, 2009 Author Members Share Posted December 22, 2009 Ah so, you do have a bit of a problem. I just looked at one of my guitars with dunlops, and I think I might try a hacksaw or dremel just behind the head of the screw. Don't cut into the screw, but just try to cut around the post until you can break the post off, and leave the screw head so you've still got something to grab onto. Seems to me that the dunlops are very light material compared to other strap hardware.X It may be pretty hard stuff, but hopefully you could get it weak enough to break off behind the head. just drilled the head of the screw off, pulled the strap lock off, and unscrewed the head of w/ pliers. FTMFW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Darkstorm Posted December 22, 2009 Members Share Posted December 22, 2009 Why not just add a new strapbutton a little bit above it and use that one? Better solution then taking any risk of causing damage to wood around the current one in getting it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members alphamarquis Posted December 22, 2009 Members Share Posted December 22, 2009 Why not just add a new strapbutton a little bit above it and use that one? Better solution then taking any risk of causing damage to wood around the current one in getting it out. that's the {censored} way out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members holden_caufield9 Posted December 22, 2009 Author Members Share Posted December 22, 2009 Why not just add a new strapbutton a little bit above it and use that one? Better solution then taking any risk of causing damage to wood around the current one in getting it out. Because I was selling the guitar and that would have killed the value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members caveman Posted December 22, 2009 Members Share Posted December 22, 2009 that's the {censored} way out. LOL, Add a couple of turnbuckles and he'd be all set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Pope on a Rope Posted December 22, 2009 Members Share Posted December 22, 2009 Why not just add a new strapbutton a little bit above it and use that one? Better solution then taking any risk of causing damage to wood around the current one in getting it out. That's what a hack would do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Belva Posted December 22, 2009 Members Share Posted December 22, 2009 I use 6/32 threadded inserts & screws whenever I install strap buttons because of this problem. The trick is go go a bit deep with a 5/16" drill bit and epoxy the insert in place. Wait at least 24 hrs and put your screws in with a small amount of blue loctite. You'll never have this problem. It's even worse when the wood strips and won't hold a screw. That's when I figured this method out. Also put a circle of masking tape on the bottom of the insert before using the epoxy to keep that stuff out of the threads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ToddDammitt Posted December 22, 2009 Members Share Posted December 22, 2009 I use 6/32 threadded inserts & screws whenever I install strap buttons because of this problem. The trick is go go a bit deep with a 5/16" drill bit and epoxy the insert in place. Wait at least 24 hrs and put your screws in with a small amount of blue loctite. You'll never have this problem. It's even worse when the wood strips and won't hold a screw. That's when I figured this method out. Also put a circle of masking tape on the bottom of the insert before using the epoxy to keep that stuff out of the threads. Great idea!! This one will go on my things to do board hanging by my workbench...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Belva Posted December 22, 2009 Members Share Posted December 22, 2009 I had to come up with something to repair a customer guitar. This guy jumps around and strips the screw on the horn strap button. Ths other one was fine but I did it too. Did this about a year ago and he hasn't had a problem since. I also check the screws to make sure they're still tight when he brings it in for strings. No budge. Just make sure it's the blue removable loctite and DON'T use too much. A small amount on a toothpick is plenty. BTW toothpicks were invented by a meth addict. That's why the aren't called teethpicks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.