Need Help: Have Stripped Screws

shawshank72 · #1 08-21-2009, 07:07 PM

I have 2 problems. Is there a good way to fix a neck screw that is holding its space but when turned, never tightens?
Also same goes for pickguard screws. thanks

JustDavid · #2 08-21-2009, 07:31 PM

There is. The problem is the hole is now too large & the threads have nothing to grip. The solution is to give them something to grip, by adding wood into the hole.

DIY advice should be along in not too long, better-worded than I can do. To support that, what are your woodworking capabilities?

stflbn · #3 08-21-2009, 07:36 PM

Put a chunk of toothpick or two into the hole. Often you do not even need to put glue in with it. If you do choose to put glue in with the toothpicks use Elmers glue or some other wood glue. Do not use superglue. The goal is to make a tigher hole and not to ruin the hole the next time you need to remove the screw.

lavmonga · #4 08-21-2009, 07:37 PM

Wood filler.

relbling · #5 08-21-2009, 07:37 PM

Try using toothpicks in the holes. Cut them off so they are the length of the hole and place a couple in point side out. That's what I've done for stripped screws in the past and it works quite well. You can add some glue if you really want things to stay.

stflbn · #6 08-21-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lavmonga

Wood filler.

Honestly... toothpicks are much easier. Whats better... wood filler or REAL wood??? Toothpicks are real wood.

Search talkbass for Toothpick and find many posts about using them this way.

jlh60 · #7 08-21-2009, 07:43 PM

If the screws can be removed.A quick fix without removing neck and pickguard is to cut a toothpick to depth of hole ,insert the toothpick then thread in the screw.It may take more than one toothpick for the neck screw. More permanent fix is remove neck and pickguard and use wood glue to secure the toothpicks.You can also drill out the neck screw hole and glue in a wood dowel.Then drill appropriate hole for the screw.The pickguard screws are small enough that you don't have to drill them out.Also,the pickguard screws don't have withstand the tension a neck screw does.There are kits available for the neck that use inserts that thread into the neck then a machine screw is used to hold the neck to the body instead of a wood screw.This again involves drilling an appropriate hole in the neck for the insert.When drilling holes make sure not to drill too deep and be sure holes are centered.Hope this helps.

shawshank72 · #8 08-21-2009, 09:15 PM

As always you guys are great!

Bassman203 · #9 08-21-2009, 09:25 PM

Toothpicks! Just break it down to size, stick it in the hole, and screw the screw back in. The toothpick will break up and fill the spaces.

Zooberwerx · #10 08-22-2009, 08:10 AM

Stuff I've used:

* Wood plugs - glue and re-drill

* Toothpicks and wood glue - best bet

* JB Weld and toothpick - one of my favorites

Stuff I won't use:

* Plastic wood filler

Riis

bassmanrocke · #11 08-22-2009, 08:32 AM

Remove the neck, get hardwood dowels slightly larger than the hole, drill out the holes to the dowel size, cut down dowel to hole depth, glue in with titebond. After drying, drill the dowels to a size slightly smaller than the screw. This is a permanent fix that will ensure a long lasting neck joint.

Turnaround · #12 08-22-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lavmonga

Wood filler.

Now there's a suggestion. It clearly shows a degree of understanding of how wood screws work and how wood is structured. But it's an easy solution and probably worth every word.

My apologies to TB participants. I couldn't resist a cheap shot. (Moderators, please forgive - I'm tired)