I've been working on fixing a neck that was set crooked from the factory on an SX jazz bass in this thread:
Questions about re-setting a wonky neck
And had a question about threaded inserts. . . figured I might as well go all the way if I'm going to drill and plug the neck anyways to reset it. The information I've been able to gather online in this forum and other sources concerning threaded insert installation in bass necks has been a bit ambiguous and i have not been able to come across a clear method or established, specific materials that work.
In searching for parts, I came across this "kit":
http://www.onyxforgeguitars.com/Insert%20kit.html
And from what I can gather, he is using EZ LOK part number 800832-10 inserts:
die cast zinc alloy
4mm drive
8-32 internal thread
.394" length
15/64" pilot hole
These are designed for soft wood, particle board, and MDF applications
I found these inserts on Amazon in 100 packs:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_oh_product
I think the picture is a generic stock picture an actually incorrect on the amazon listing, but the specs match the part on the EZ LOK catalog. There are 2 versions, flush mount and flanged. This item specifies flush.
I also found these 1 3/4" lenght, 8-32 thread, 8-18 stainless steel screws in 100 pack to match.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_oh_product
Pan head would have been better aesthetically, but these were priced right and would work. Then, I bought this to qualify for free super saver shipping
:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_oh_product
So, I was able to order 20 "kits" for under $30 and that's including a free lego spaceship as a bonus.
Do these look reasonable for my application? The other option I was thinking about were these:
http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/3603...readed-Inserts
8/32 internal threads
1/4" pilot hole
25/64" overall length
4mm hex drive
The threads on these look a bit beefier, but I don't want to split my neck by forcing massive threads through. I thought about taking one and cutting slots in the threads with a dremel to make it into a sortof tap. Anyways, I'm hoping others who have done inserts might be able to chime in on specific hardware that has worked and best practices in terms of installation.
Anyways, curiosity or late night purchasing madness got the better of me and I ordered all of these items just for kicks and giggles. I'll post up photos after testing on a piece of scrap maple. I'm particularly concerned about edge splitting and ways to drive these in straight. Maybe one product will prove to be easier to install than the other.
I also came upon an ebay seller who has put together a kit that taps the pilot hole prior to installing the insert. It seems he is also using an EZ Lok product designed for metal installation.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Steel-Threaded-N...item35a4369ff3
Are all of these methods reasonably workable?
