Fender strap locks not plug-n-play ...

[major10th]

Got a Fender VM Jaguar bass for Christmas and also a set of Fender strap locks (P.N. 0990690000). So what's the deal with the screws? The screw that holds the original strap button is noticeable thicker than the screws that came with the strap locks. Definitely not a good idea to use the replacement screws since they'll strip the wood, and the original screws have a head that won't recess in the strap lock button. Is Fender trying to make my life difficult?

To use the existing screws, I'd have to ream the holes in the strap lock buttons and shave down the head to recess properly, or go find some better replacement screws, yikes!

I'm sure I'll get plenty of "you should have bought Schaller/Dunlop strap locks" in reply ;-)

[iamoldschool]

Break a toothpick off in the original hole and use the screws that came with the straplocks. Done.

[Foamy]

This is as common as it gets.
Fenders are Schallers - same exact unit.
Use a few pieces of toothpick AND glue.
Make sure the pieces of toothpick are the full depth of the hole.
And, be sure that the hole in the bass is deep enough for the new screw. If not, you could break the screw.

So....

Verify depth of current hole.
Snap off a couple toothpicks.
Put some glue on them.
Shove them in the hole.
Install new Fender Straplock.
Rock on!

[giacomini]

Originally Posted by iamoldschool

Break a toothpick off in the original hole and use the screws that came with the straplocks. Done.

+1. Add a drop of glue just to be sure.

The Fender straplocks SHOULD be exactly the same as Schaller's, but they differ a little, one has a slightly thicker button. (don't remember which), but yes, Fender should have used the same screw for regular buttons and straplocks.

[Foamy]

Originally Posted by giacomini

+1. Add a drop of glue just to be sure.

The Fender straplocks SHOULD be exactly the same as Schaller's, but they differ a little, one has a slightly thicker button. (don't remember which), but yes, Fender should have used the same screw for regular buttons and straplocks.

If you look closely at the Fenders, you'll see the word "Schaller" on them.

[giacomini]

Originally Posted by Foamy

If you look closely at the Fenders, you'll see the word "Schaller" on them.

They sure do, the locks are the same, but the buttons are slightly different IME but of course that can be the case of one bad button, because I had only 3 basses with straplocks, 2 Schallers and 1 "Fender-Schaller".

[major10th]

Originally Posted by giacomini

+1. Add a drop of glue just to be sure.

The Fender straplocks SHOULD be exactly the same as Schaller's, but they differ a little, one has a slightly thicker button. (don't remember which), but yes, Fender should have used the same screw for regular buttons and straplocks.

Thanks all for the quick replies! Looks like the consensus is tooth picks and wood glue. Glad I waited for wise council. I wonder how many folks went ahead and used the replacement screws (with no toothpicks) only to later have the strap locks fail? Shame on you Fender for including zippo in the way of instructions.

[major10th]

Originally Posted by giacomini

They sure do, the locks are the same, but the buttons are slightly different IME but of course that can be the case of one bad button, because I had only 3 basses with straplocks, 2 Schallers and 1 "Fender-Schaller".

Mine say "Fender" three times on the horseshoe-shaped portion of the strap lock.

[thebone]

I would add one thing to this process and that is using locktite, the blue colored kind.
Mine has a 242 on it and also says removable. Put it on the treads of the horseshoe shaped that goes on your guitar strap. I also like to position the horseshoe shaped cup so when I'm standing it is fully cupped around the guitar part. Also whether the screws for the guitar fit or have to be tooth picked in Use some carpenters wood glue on the screws that go into the guitar. In not doing the above I have almost lost a couple of guitars. If done right this way I feel schaller type locks are the best.

________________
thebone

[thebone]

I would add something very important. Always use Locktite on the threads of the horseshoe cupped piece that goes onto your guitar strap. Use the blue variety of Locktite. Mine says 242 and removable on tube. I also like to position the horseshoe cups while standing so the guitar post sits right in the center of the cups front and back, and then tighten the nut to the horseshoe cup.
Also if the screw in the guitar fits or has to be fitted with toothpicks use some carpenters yellow wood glue (Titebond) on the screw going into the guitar.
I have almost lost 2 or 3 guitars by not following these rules. If this is done as right as above, I feel schaller type strap locks are the best.

thebone

[Foamy]

Are you trying to say that you'd add Loctite?

[Foamy]

Originally Posted by major10th

Mine say "Fender" three times on the horseshoe-shaped portion of the strap lock.

All my Fender-branded sets have "Schaller" engraved.

[96tbird]

That's a VM JAG? A Squier? No wonder, the straplocks probably fit a USA Fender, not an mii or mic Squier.

Picks and glue, your best friend for any stripped hole in wood.

[major10th]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

That's a VM JAG? A Squier? No wonder, the straplocks probably fit a USA Fender, not an mii or mic Squier.

Picks and glue, your best friend for any stripped hole in wood.

Yeah, it's a Made in Indonesia Squier. But the strap locks packaging lists both Fender and Squier compatible.

[Foamy]

Originally Posted by major10th

Yeah, it's a Made in Indonesia Squier. But the strap locks packaging lists both Fender and Squier compatible.

Of course! It's just a screw.
They are compatible with every single bass in the world, not just Fenders.
Who knows? Maybe it perfectly fits Ibanezes, Yamahas, MusicMans, OLPs, whatever.
Fenders are not the only basses in the world.
Dude, did you do what several others have done, and have recommended?

Edit: Forgot to mention GUITARS!!! Bazillions of guitars out there.
How the world can they put in a screw that will be the perfect fit for everything?

[96tbird]

Originally Posted by major10th

Yeah, it's a Made in Indonesia Squier. But the strap locks packaging lists both Fender and Squier compatible.

Ha! There ought to be a footnote: *toothpicks may be required!*
If you are handy, you could grind the heads on the original screws so they fit inside, but the toothpick trick is easiest and the glue will make it stronger than original hole; it'll never strip out. Put the screw in while the glue is wet and a perfectly threaded hole will result. Use lots of Titebond glue and wipe up the excess with a damp cloth.

[major10th]

Originally Posted by Foamy

Dude, did you do what several others have done, and have recommended?

Yeah, I'll definitely be going the glue/toothpick route based on all the helpful responses, thanks.