frozen saddle height adjustment screw...help..

xshawnxearthx · #1 10-25-2007, 06:42 PM

anyone know a good way to get this loose? i'd like to lower my E string but the saddle just wo't allow it.

erochelle77 · #2 10-25-2007, 07:13 PM

WD-40

topper · #3 10-25-2007, 07:16 PM

I had a bunch that were stuck. I had to use liquid wrench on them then use a drill to get them out and replace them with new allen screws.

Foamy · #4 10-25-2007, 09:09 PM

If it is truly stuck (my wife would call it "stuck stuck"), you may need to drill it out. You'd have to do this very carefully, obviously. The drill bit itself may just force the screw through the hole and out, so of course you'd need the string off and the body protected, along with a replacement screw.

lowendgenerator · #5 10-25-2007, 09:16 PM

Soak that puppy in WD-40. Not just a little squirt, soak it overnight. If that doesn't work, drill it out.

202dy · #6 10-25-2007, 09:30 PM

It is not hard to get most screws to move assuming that it is a rust problem as opposed to the screw being cross threaded. Try this. Loosen the string and remove the saddle from the intonation screw. Place the saddle in a small container and soak in Liquid Wrench or a similar penetrating oil. A one ounce soufflé cup like they use to put some mustard on the side is about right. Give it fifteen or twenty minutes. Try it. If that doesn't work try soaking it in some Lime Away. The active ingredients in this product are the same as in naval jelly. Since it is caustic avoid skin contact. It removes the rust. Soak for a half an hour. Rinse in plenty of water. Remove screw. Then dry it well and give it a light coat of oil or WD 40.

BTW, WD 40 is not a penetrating oil. It will occasionally work like one but will not penetrate heavy rust. The WD stands for water displacement. As such, it is designed to act as a barrier against water vapor to prevent oxidation. It functions very well in this role. But is cannot and will not do the same job as Liquid Wrench.

If the screw is cross threaded all the oil in the world will not get it loose.

ehque · #7 10-26-2007, 03:44 AM

If its a fender bridge or other popular bridge design, im sure you could simply swap out the whole saddle.

xshawnxearthx · #8 10-26-2007, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehque

If its a fender bridge or other popular bridge design, im sure you could simply swap out the whole saddle.

it is but can't finds anyone who just sells the saddles, plus fender will only sell the whole bridge assembly.

i am going to try some liquid wrench tomorrow after our show. thanks guys.

friskinator · #9 10-29-2007, 07:33 AM

Speaking of Fender bridges, what kind of allen wrench do I need to adjust the action/string height? I tried the smallest size allen wrench I had on my 80's MIJ Squier P, but it doesn't seem to be the correct type. Any advice?