Filling tuner screw holes, dowel size?

[oldrookie]

I am installing Hipshot Ultralights on a SX headstock. I'm okay with drilling new holes for the one screw, but have a question regarding drilling/filling old holes.

Smallest dowel I can find is 1/8th inch in diameter. I have a 1/8th drill bit, but the dowel is extremely tight. I'd have to tap it into place and I am concerned about splitting the headstock if I use 1/8th dowel, but if I drill out to 9/64th the dowels seem just a bit loose. (Been practicing on scrap wood.)

I've read thread about drlling and filling, but can't find anything about specific dowel size v. hole drilled.

Any advice on this?

I do have a Dremel with smaller drill bits, but can't find any dowels of a smaller size. Would toothpicks cut to size be a better option?

Thanks for any help.

[knuckle_head]

Dowels will have grain running in the wrong direction FWIW - but a 1/8 dowel into a 1/8 hole will work perfectly. Fill the holes temporarily with a tooth pick or something similar and use a brad point bit to keep the bit from 'walking'.

I'd suggest finding a scrap piece of maple someplace and getting a plug cutter of some sort if you are that concerned about things. That way you can match grain direction - nothing worse than end grain on a smooth grain surface to my eye.

[oldrookie]

Thank you for the advice. I'll look into the plug cutter option.

[NorCal Dog]

why not just plug em with the toothpics ? regardless of what you use to plug it with, you're gonna see it. & besides, it's a freakin sx,, who cares.

i have yet to find the totally anal bass player that as they were totally droolin over my squire, ( ya, i said it,,, now quit laughing ),
i have yet to hear a single ewww,, or gasp,,, or egad, are those toothipcs you cramed in those holes.