Fender Tross Rod Tool Slips in Nut?

fourstringdrums · #1 02-03-2012, 08:27 PM

I just got a 1997 Fender P from a fellow TB'er (I know, pics or it didn't happen...) and I'm having a hard time with the Fender Truss Rod tool. When I try to straighten the neck, the tool doesn't grip the nut enough and it slips.

I have some allen wrenches with the ball end and they grip a little better, but then I don't have enough leverage and the wrench slips anyway.

So I wound up having to take off the pickguard to get a wrench in fully.

Might the nut be rounded (I assume this is common on this type of notch access) or could the tool be undersized a bit and the allen wrench I'm using just doesn't have enough leverage and that's why that's slipping? I figure my only option is to deepen the notch on the pickguard so I can get a allen in there at 90 degrees.

Slowgypsy · #2 02-03-2012, 08:35 PM

Sounds like it's either (1) the nut is rounded out (2) the wrench ball end is worn (3) wrong size wrench.

Personally, I'd just take the neck off and figure out what's not right. If it's the nut, back it out and replace it.

fourstringdrums · #3 02-03-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

Sounds like it's either (1) the nut is rounded out (2) the wrench ball end is worn (3) wrong size wrench.

Personally, I'd just take the neck off and figure out what's not right. If it's the nut, back it out and replace it.

Well it's not the wrong size. It's a 3/16" Fender tool. A regular 3/16" allen fits perfectly but I have to take the pickguard off to get the wrench in there. Just putting the little bit of the end of the tool doesn't work. The seller said he's never had a problem so I don't know what my problem is.

Slowgypsy · #4 02-03-2012, 08:50 PM

If another 3/16" allen wrench fits just fine, that's a clue that the ball on the official wrench might be a bit worn. Just my $.02

fourstringdrums · #5 02-03-2012, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

If another 3/16" allen wrench fits just fine, that's a clue that the ball on the official wrench might be a bit worn. Just my $.02

it fits only if I remove the pickguard. If I try to use the ball end at an angle it doesn't. I think the nut might be rounded a bit. Where would I get one and do I have to take any special steps when replacing it?

walterw · #6 02-03-2012, 10:04 PM

i made myself a proper wrench for these basses years ago by sawing off a 3/16" allen key just past the bend, so it goes in cleanly and has much better leverage than the T-handle thing. (stole the idea from john suhr, who uses 1/8" allen-key truss rods in his guitars that access at the body end the same way.)

electracoyote · #7 02-03-2012, 10:07 PM

Only a hex tool that is champhered will work at an angle. If the tool you are using is squared off at the end, part of it will not go in far enough unless you have a more direct angle, hence your need to remove the pickguard.

joeyl · #8 02-04-2012, 04:49 PM

I never use the Fender truss rod tool on my 1997 Jazz because it sucks: the ball end has to go in at a certain angle to be effective. The small T handle does not offer leverage.

I use like said above, regular allen wrench with the short leg cut right past the bend.

fourstringdrums · #9 02-04-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeyl

I never use the Fender truss rod tool on my 1997 Jazz because it sucks: the ball end has to go in at a certain angle to be effective. The small T handle does not offer leverage.

I use like said above, regular allen wrench with the short leg cut right past the bend.

Well I ordered a new nut and I'll put it on. I think the outer portion is rounded though the inside is fine. I figure it's an easy enough thing to do that I should just get it over with and start with a fresh nut.

I also ordered this

STEWMAC.COM : Pictures of Allen Truss Rod Wrenches

The shape looks like it will definitely grab and hold better than the Fender tool or most allen keys. It's square, not rounded at the end like the Fender.