How to remove tuner bushings from headstock?

[Chrisk-K]

I bought a Hipshot tuner set to replace the stock tuners of my Geddy. Is there an easy way to remove the stock bushings from the headstock? They seem tightly pressed in the tuner holes.

[M0ses]

Find a socket wrench set, and use a socket that is just the right size. Put the socket into the hole, against the bushing. Hit it with a hammer. Viola.

[ponticat]

Put. The. Hammer. Down.

[Chrisk-K]

The clamp and socket method is a sheer stroke of genius!

[C.Linton]

Good one!

[T-Bird]

Hi.

I can't count the times when I have directed people to that great pictorial by ponticat. This time the original poster got there first .

It's a small wonder it ain't in the stickies.

But then again, who reads the stickies anyway .

Regards
Sam

[Pilgrim]

Ponticat rocketh!

[BassLife77]

Originally Posted by ponticat

Put. The. Hammer. Down.

thanks a lot. I have to install new tuners and was 2 seconds away from grabbing a hammer off to Harbor Freight to get a clamp

[lowendgenerator]

I've removed them with a hammer and screwdriver before. I do not recommend this method. Go with the socket and clamp, save yourself a stab to the leg.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by lowendgenerator

I've removed them with a hammer and screwdriver before. I do not recommend this method. Go with the socket and clamp, save yourself a stab to the leg.

Of course, that's not from personal experience...it happened to a "friend", right?

[JTE]

Oh, crap!!! Why'd my headstock crack and the neck splitsplit when I hit the bushing with a hammer?!!? Now instead of putting new tuners on, I'm getting a whole new neck...

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by C.Linton

Good one!

Yes, is a good one!

But I'd suggest that in removal, depending on how tight the bushing is in the headstock, the large socket could leave a compressed "ring" on the face of your headstock. I use a large vise and a smooth piece of wood with a hole in it. I've used a piece of felt under the wood to protect the finish, but to tell the truth I worry that the sometimes the fibers of the cloth can also make an impression on the finish. (makes it sort of dull) I've not had any problems with a piece of hardwood with a hole slightly larger than the bushing sanded very smooth.

Installation is fine as is. In fact it's probably better than the vise and blocks of wood I use in protecting the finish.

But in any case there is no doubt that the clamp method can "Git 'R Done" even just as described.

[ThrashMaster]

Originally Posted by M0ses

Find a socket wrench set, and use a socket that is just the right size. Put the socket into the hole, against the bushing. TAP IT GENTLY it with a hammer. Viola.

there, fixed that for ya haha

done it that way literally hundreds of times with no problems

[DWBass]

Just wondering why remove the bushing? Wouldn't it be the same as the ones that come with the Hipshots? I just replaced a set of crappy tuners on a MIM Jazz with a set of Hipshots and just re-used the bushings and screws.

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by DWBass

Just wondering why remove the bushing? Wouldn't it be the same as the ones that come with the Hipshots? I just replaced a set of crappy tuners on a MIM Jazz with a set of Hipshots and just re-used the bushings and screws.

Yes, that's an option. I've done it. If the old ones aren't all worn out why bother?

[JLS]

Thanks, that my first laugh of the day!

[Stinsok]

I use a drumstick.

[line6man]

I just took mine out with a hammer and a flat head screwdriver.
Delicately tap on the bushing in several spots until it pops out. Just be sure you push it up evenly, so it doesn't compress the wood in one spot.

[giacomini]

Originally Posted by ponticat

Put. The. Hammer. Down.

I saw this little pictorial once before, just came back to say: total winner!

[selowitch]

What's the cheap way to buy sockets in those sizes? I can only find expensive sets. Maybe this?

I finally bought this at Home Depot for $17.95 plus tax.