loose tuning peg

[el nadador del]

Hi All
I hope this is in the right place. I have a question regarding a loose tuning peg -Hipshot Ultralight. When the bass is strung and the string (low E) tuned/tightened the peg is solid as a rock. However, if I remove (or loosen) the string for any reason (changing, cleaning, lower/raising action) the peg itself becomes a bit ... loose. I don't know how else to describe it. If I place my fingers on the peg as though I were going to tune/de-tune it and gently wiggle the peg back and forth it feels loose. How should I go about tightening it? I do a lot of alternate tuning and don't want to worsen the problem. Also, I don't want to constantly have to re-tune every 5 seconds to make sure the peg isn't slipping!
I appreciate any words of wisdom!

[hoosierdad]

I think there is one small screw in the back, a bolt in the center and a lock down not on the front. Make sure they are all tight. The nut and screw tight, the bolt snug. Should keep the tuner from moving around.

[Jimbob Jones]

Tuners aren't really designed to be completely tight, becasue as you said: it becomes as solid as a rock when you put string tension on it. If it had no give when the string was off, it would be utterly unusable once tension is applied! So when the strings are off, tuners should (normally) be a bit loose.

At least this is my experience of almost all basses and guitars that I've set up.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Jimbob Jones

Tuners aren't really designed to be completely tight, becasue as you said: it becomes as solid as a rock when you put string tension on it. If it had no give when the string was off, it would be utterly unusable once tension is applied! So when the strings are off, tuners should (normally) be a bit loose.

At least this is my experience of almost all basses and guitars that I've set up.

Roger that. Provided that the gear and post are aligned and screwed snugly together, and the ferrule (top nut) is also secure, a small amount of play is to be expected or else the stupid thing probably wouldn't turn. And being there is a small amount of play, always tune up to pitch, never down.

Riis

[Ukiah Bass]

Could be the string post is smaller than its hole in the headstock. I just learned the holes on my Fender Aerodyne Jazz bass are 7/16", which is in between 3/8 and 1/2 inch holes. I ordered some 3/8" Ultralights and suspect my experience will be similar to your own.