Neck/body pocket size mismatch

[fretlessman71]

Got a new neck to put on an old Squier body. The neck doesn't fit into the pocket, but it sure LOOKS like it should. In other words, it's awfully close to fitting.

The neck pocket (on the body) is painted, and removing the paint might be enough to get the neck to fit, but I'm not sure.

I'm also almost certain that I will have to dowel plug the current holes (pre-drilled into my gently-used-but-new-to-me neck) and drill new ones to match the Squier body.

Is it smarter/easier to shave off the heel of the neck so it fits, or to make the neck pocket larger instead? Is there a generally accepted process for this that I don't/should know about? Should I find a way to stop/reduce my use of the slash key? Thanks/appreciation in advance.

[202dy]

Modify the pocket.

A sharp (sharp enough to shave with is already too dull) chisel is employed along the bass edge of the pocket from the floor of the body into the seat of the pocket. The movement can be either straight down or can be "walked" in with a circular movement resting the left edge of the chisel on the floor and swinging the handle upward.

Alternatively, a sanding stick or small sanding block can be constructed and used moving it along the floor. While this appears on the surface to be safer and easier, the chances for chipping the finish on the edge is actually greater.