Can a truss rod nut be changed from a hex head to an Allen Wrench style?

[Kawai-chang]

By that I mean simple unscrewing one and replacing it with the other. Seems like it would work, but I'm not sure, so I ask.

[john grey]

Thread match, physical space for the substitution, & availability (of the part) are the variables. First you need to obtain that info before any conclusive "yes or no" can be achieved.

Find your thread size (1), determine if you have the room and clearance for the adaptive unit you plan on using (2). Go to some place like a hardware store that has a large selection of small nuts/bolts, etc in those small trays and find what you need. You MIGHT be able to reduce length by grinding carefully &/or re-threading as needed. (3)

[Bassamatic]

I think that that is going to be difficult. The reason is that Allen head hardware is usually a screw, not a nut. So, you are asking for a part that is threaded female on one side and Allen female on the other. Not likely a stock item. They are a custom part for guitar makers.

You might look for what guitar uses this, and try to find one that is the same thread as yours and see if you can fit it.

However, in my experience, the hex kind is more robust and less likely to strip out.

[madmachinist]

many US builders like fender use #10-32 imperial/inch threads.

i don't know what your neck has , but the fender adjusters
w/ allen sockets are available as replacements from fender.

whether it will clear the cover plate or not have enough reach.. is another story.

[JTE]

Yep, if as john grey says all the physical constraints are considered. Whether it works in practice or not depends on all of those things.

John

[Kawai-chang]

Thanks for the input, all!

Time to get out the calipers and do some figurin'.