putting in straplocks

[Dawkinzz]

hi, i want to put in dunlop straplocks into my westcoast 5 string but the screws for the dunlops are bigger than the holes already present, just wondering what the best way to make the hole bigger would be, aka just screw it in with a screw driver, or slowly drill it in?


thanks

[NKUSigEp]

I've actually been wondering the same thing and from what I've come up with thanks to the endless ocean of opinions on the web, here it is:

Dunlop strap-locks.
1 toothpick
1 bottle of wood glue
1 screwdriver/drill/etc.

Just break off a piece of toothpick long enough to fit about 3/4 of the way into the screw hole and give it a fine coating of wood glue. Stick that into the hole...yeah I know.

Let it set for a few minutes and then drill in the strap locks. It's a pretty permanent solution but will guarantee absolutely no stripping of the hole and that your bass won't fly off and crash into the audience.

[Johnny Crab]

Are we reading two problems(holes too small & holes too big)?
A short, stubby screwdriver that fits the screw heads tightly is suggested. If a larger screwdriver slips or....your hand gets demo'd or your bass may get a nice "relic" scratch...
In this case, shorter is better(did I type that?).

Holes too small?
Crab method:
Check screw diameter and length with drill bits.
Pick bit a little smaller than the unthreaded part of the screw. For "how far to drill", measure the selected bit vs. the screw and then put a piece of electrical tape(or MarksA-Lot) on the drill end of the bit about 1/8~1/4" shorter than the screw. When you drill, only go in to your tape/marker.
Last step: CAREFULLY use wood glue(if it is hardwood) or an epoxy(JB Weld if I will most likely NEVER sell the bass and want it "forever" glued) with a toothpick to put glue in the small screw hole of your bass. Install.
The one on the back/bottom/bridge end is a PIA as it's best to hold the bass neck down(a trusted friend could help).

Holes too big?
Use the tootpick/glue method.
Use JB Weld if you want a permanent fix.

Be VERY CAREFUL if using JB Weld(I use JB QuiK). A hardened gray blob dows not look pretty on a bass if you miss the hole or have an oops. Some "collectors" or others may think me insane for using epoxy but perhaps they've not had a strap button come off during live performance or had a bass get it's machine head snapped off. Neither is a joyous moment in life.

[EASonBass]

Originally Posted by Dawkinzz

hi, i want to put in dunlop straplocks into my westcoast 5 string but the screws for the dunlops are bigger than the holes already present, just wondering what the best way to make the hole bigger would be, aka just screw it in with a screw driver, or slowly drill it in?


thanks

Done this many times. The screws are longer for the Dunlops. Unless your body wood is VERY soft, just drill the hole to make it deeper as described above by Johnny Crab. I like the tape method to determine the stopping place on the bit.

They still might be hard to screw in. To make it easier, try a litlle tip my dad taught me. Run the screw over a bar of dry soap to pick up a little on the threads. Acts like a lubricant making it easier to sink the screw without deforming the head.