Strings not quite long enough through body

[clemford]

I have a Schecter Hellraiser 5 35" and the taper on new Nickel DR Lo Rider's sits halfway in the nut slot on all the strings no tension. All I need is about a 1/8" to a 1/4" more to be safe. Will these stretch some when I tune it up? Otherwise I'll have to go top load. thanks

[mmbongo]

Make a mark just past the nut on your existing string, remove it, then measure from your mark to the ball end. This is the winding length you need. DR's have 38" of winding.

[clemford]

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Make a mark just past the nut on your existing string, remove it, then measure from your mark to the ball end. This is the winding length you need. DR's have 38" of winding.

that's what I did and it measured 38". Those were the original EB 2850's. Relaxed they still measure 38". That's why I figured the Dr's would fit but they measure 37-3/4 relaxed. If they stretch out just a little more I'll be set. I don't want to string them through the body and bend them at the saddle only to find out they won't stretch past the nut. On the other hand, if I can bend them back straight I can go through the top. I really wish I could've gone through the body and I assumed these would fit. Should've gone with my gut and stayed with the stock Ernie Ball 2850's.