My strap buttons are spinning.

nickn · #1 10-07-2008, 06:55 PM

I installed straplocks on my Jazz and I think I might have done it wrong.

I just unscrewed the old strap buttons and screwed in the new straplock buttons in the same holes without using the toothpick method or anything. Well, the screws went all the way in and the straplocks work fine, but the buttons spin! The screws that fasten the buttons to the body will still turn but won't go into the body any farther, so I can't really tighten the buttons down. They're still snug with the body; it's just a little bit of free spin that occurs if I try to twist it (and I can only imagine how much it spins when I've got a strap on there). It bothers me. Is this something that I should worry about or is it no big deal?

fenderhutz · #2 10-07-2008, 06:56 PM

The screws aren't in all of the way. Did you use the old or new screws?

The screws are probably in as far as they were with the old buttons but you may have to dig in more since the screws sit almost flush at the bottom of the strap lock buttons.

nickn · #3 10-07-2008, 06:58 PM

I used the new screws. Uh-oh... did I mess up?

They were just a wee bit longer than the old screws, so I guess that would explain why they're not in all the way.

fenderhutz · #4 10-07-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickn

I used the new screws. Uh-oh... did I mess up?

They were just a wee bit longer than the old screws, so I guess that would explain why they're not in all the way.

No you didn't mess up. But use a good screwdriver to tightened them down or use the old screws if they fit with a toothpick and some wood glue(or Elmers). I owuld highly recommend at least using a toothpick even without glue.

lowendgenerator · #5 10-07-2008, 07:10 PM

Which brand of straplocks did you use? I find that Schaller strap lock buttons have very small holes for the screw, and usually require modifying both the screw and the button to use original screws. The head of the screw is usually to big for the hole of the button, and the threaded part of the screw is usually to large to fit through the bottom of the button.

Try giving it a good torque with a good screwdriver. If it keeps spinning, then your new screw doesn't have enough bite to match the original threads. Use the toothpick/glue trick and be done with it.

Zooberwerx · #6 10-07-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

No you didn't mess up. But use a good screwdriver to tightened them down or use the old screws if they fit with a toothpick and some wood glue(or Elmers). I owuld highly recommend at least using a toothpick even without glue.

If they're Dunlops, use the new screws. Dunlop uses a panhead screw with the edge ground down a bit (I've done it myself) so it fits the recess. FH is spot-one. Use a a clean PH screwdriver and plenty of soap to lube the screw. Also make sure you have a felt washer betweenst the button and bass body.

Riis

nickn · #7 10-07-2008, 07:17 PM

They're Ernie Ball locks. When I bought the bass, my decision was between the Jazz and an EBMM Sterling, and I ultimately went with the Jazz, so I decided on Ernie Ball for the straplocks just to give a little nod to ole' Sterling.

I do have the felt washers in place. I'll try the toothpick trick as soon as I can get my hands on some toothpicks. Thanks guys.

lowendgenerator · #8 10-07-2008, 07:32 PM

No problem mang, just don't let that bad boy fall on the floor!