Badass II Allen wrench

gerry grable · #1 03-22-2011, 11:29 AM

Does anyone know the size of the Allen wrench that adjusts the individual string bridges on the BA II bass bridge?
It is much smaller than the one used on my original Jazzbass bridge. I haven't been able to find one in the usual tool stores, and I'm reluctant to send for one from the BA company, if it still exists. They'll probably charge more for one wrench and postage than I would have to pay for a whole set.
Are they perhaps metric?
Thanks
GG

**TheFantod** · #2 03-22-2011, 01:33 PM

I can let you know in approx. 1 hour
(after I get off work!)

Rusty the Scoob · #3 03-22-2011, 01:46 PM

I seem to remember using one from an SAE set that I kept in my gigbag, not metric. Definitely no need to send away for one, I just used one of those $5 sets that fold out like a swiss-army knife.

loinmute · #4 03-22-2011, 03:51 PM

Hold on a few minutes; I just woke up. I got one with my BA a few weeks back. I know it's smaller than 1.5mm.

Edit: I measure 1 millimeter

**TheFantod** · #5 03-22-2011, 04:15 PM

On my SAE folding set, it takes the smallest one. Which, according to the set, is .05. I guess that's .05 of one inch? In other words, it's freakin' tiny!

Any auto parts store should have one of these:

They are worth it 'cause you don't have to keep track of that one tiny little wrench.

gerry grable · #6 03-22-2011, 05:50 PM

That was quick. Thanks, guys. I apreciate it.
TheFantod's suggestion of the folding set is great. The allens in my tool box are all over the place, never can find the right one when you need it.
And I never thought to check with an auto parts store. I've been visiting TrueValues and K-Marts, etc.
Slap on my forehead

Thanks again.
GG

walterw · #7 03-22-2011, 09:10 PM

it's indeed the smallest SAE size, .050". (same as vintage fender strat saddles.)

DTF · #8 03-22-2011, 10:40 PM

1/2 millimeter maybe?

loinmute · #9 03-23-2011, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTF

1/2 millimeter maybe?

More like 1.2mm

inch/mm CONVERSION CHART

DTF · #10 03-23-2011, 01:00 PM

I always thought that the tiny .5 key was 1/2 millimeter thanks for the info guys

gerry grable · #11 03-24-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loinmute

More like 1.2mm

inch/mm CONVERSION CHART

Lionmute is EXACTLY right! It IS 1.2 mm.
I just came home fron Advanced Auto Parts with a package of Allens ($6.99) that I really didn't need. But the little wrench, the smallest in the set, worked perfectly in my bridges or should I say the little saddles on the bridge.
The auto guy said that since it was for a musical instument, it is made for global distribution, so it is probably metric.
He was right.
Thanks again guys.
Gerry

walterw · #12 03-24-2011, 07:41 PM

do not use the wrong wrench!

it's not metric, it's .050 inches. there's very little metal to hold things together, so even the almost-right wrench can strip out.

gerry grable · #13 03-25-2011, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

do not use the wrong wrench!

it's not metric, it's .050 inches. there's very little metal to hold things together, so even the almost-right wrench can strip out.

It did "feel" right, but I'm going to have to go along with your expert advice rather than that of the auto parts guy. Back to the parts store to get a standard set for me. This time I'll take one of the set-screws with me. Why did they make them so darn small?
The set-screws on the original Fender bridge with their regular screw driver heads are heftier and so easy to work with.
Thanks.
GG

loinmute · #14 03-25-2011, 05:14 PM

My mistake. It's best to be completly safe. However, the difference between 1.25mm and .050 is quite small. But, with an $80+ Leo made of it's "musical alloys"...it would be best to go standard.

walterw · #15 03-25-2011, 05:40 PM

any decent music store with a tech should have plenty of those little wrenches, as well as replacement screws of that size (since they're the same as USA fender strat saddle screws), so the worst case is still no big deal to fix.

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #16 06-01-2011, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

it's indeed the smallest SAE size, .050". (same as vintage fender strat saddles.)

Just FYI: Yesterday, a friend gave me his Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Bass for setting it up and, after noticing that the smallest Allen wrench I own (1.5 mm - 0.06") doesn't fit those bridge saddle height screws, I brought one of the saddles to a hardware store. There we tried the 0.050" (1.27 mm) hex key and it didn't fit either. The right size for the Badass II height adjustment screws is 0.9 mm (0.035"). Works like a charm (at least on this particular bass I have on my lap right now).