Rounded saddle height adjust screw

Mark Kingston · #1 03-02-2011, 08:18 AM

So I'm a fairly new bass player and new to the forum here after a week of lurking. I decided to take my bass halfway apart, clean and oil it, and set it back up for myself for the first time since I've owned it, which has been about a year and a half. I must say I did a fantastic job after getting past my apprehension of doing it on my own for the first time. But I managed to strip the head on one of the saddle height hex screws, it's completely rounded inside. How do I get this bugger out properly without damaging it or anything else?

Lublin · #2 03-02-2011, 08:31 AM

I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that it's shot. If it's protruding out at all just grab some pliers and gently grab the protruding end and back it out. Once you back it out you can cut a slot for a flathead screwdriver in the top to reuse it or you can just replace it.

P.S. - I'm pretty sure this belongs in the hardware section

Mark Kingston · #3 03-02-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lublin

I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that it's shot. If it's protruding out at all just grab some pliers and gently grab the protruding end and back it out. Once you back it out you can cut a slot for a flathead screwdriver in the top to reuse it or you can just replace it.

P.S. - I'm pretty sure this belongs in the hardware section

Ah, sorry, like I said I'm brand new here.
That was my first thought too, I'm just afraid of chewing up the threads and having to replace the whole assembly.
I'm not exactly what you'd call gainfully employed at the moment so replacing anything isn't really an option for me.
If you think that's the best way though I'll give it a shot.

Lublin · #4 03-02-2011, 08:41 AM

What would be even more helpful is to post pictures of what's going on. Right now I'm just speculating. Seeing first hand is very beneficial!

If you choose to take photos make sure to do it in a very well lit area, flash off, and using the macro setting on your camera. Small shiny parts can be hell when trying to photograph them.

joeyl · #5 03-02-2011, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kingston

I must say I did a fantastic job -----------But I managed to strip the head on one of the saddle height hex screws,

not that fantastic then, heh?

what kind of bass/bridge is it? I'm sure if you asked somebody will have one lying around....

Lublin · #6 03-02-2011, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeyl

not that fantastic then, heh?

what kind of bass/bridge is it? I'm sure if you asked somebody will have one lying around....

Funny you mention that. I have a Fender Squier bridge off of a P Bass sitting around doing nothing.

OP let me know if you want it. Pay the shipping and I'll send it on its way.

M.R. Ogle · #7 03-02-2011, 08:46 AM

He's right... put a drop of WD40, 3-in-one oil or (best choice) Liquid Wrench on the set screw and let it sit for a while, then take pliers and work it out of the saddle.

You'll wreck the threads on the set screw for SURE (it needs replacing anyway), but it shouldn't hurt the threads in the saddle.

A new set screw will be very inexpensive. Heck, if you knew the exact pitch and length of it, I'd bet someone on this board could SEND you one.

Mark Kingston · #8 03-02-2011, 09:01 AM

Ah, its a cheap SX 4 string J bass.
I don't have a decent enough camera to take a picture of it, basically the hex area where you'd turn it with the wrench is rounded. I'm thinking a small pair of hobby type pliers and a trip to the hardware store is looking like the way to go here now that you guys seem to agree it wont hurt the saddle. LUCKILY enough it stripped I got the height set right where I wanted it to be so all in I'm going to consider this a success considering what I'd envisioned happening when I started out.

Lublin · #9 03-02-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kingston

Ah, its a cheap SX 4 string J bass.
I don't have a decent enough camera to take a picture of it, basically the hex area where you'd turn it with the wrench is rounded. I'm thinking a small pair of hobby type pliers and a trip to the hardware store is looking like the way to go here now that you guys seem to agree it wont hurt the saddle. LUCKILY enough it stripped I got the height set right where I wanted it to be so all in I'm going to consider this a success considering what I'd envisioned happening when I started out.

Sounds good. Chances are that it will be a metric thread.

The SX bridges should be a direct swap with the Squier bridge I offered to you above. Let me know if you need it!

themarshall · #10 03-02-2011, 09:09 AM

Is more thread showing on the bottom of the saddle, the part that contacts the bridge? If so, it would be easier to grab that end and turn it out. New set screw should be less than a $1 at a decent hardware store.

ia02 · #11 03-02-2011, 09:11 AM

If the head of the screw is not protruding out of the top of the saddle do this:

1. loosten the string and remove it from the tuner
2. loosten the intonation screw and remove the saddle from the bridge
3. flip the saddle over and remove the screw through the bottom of the bridge with vice grip pliers
4. remove the other screw from the saddle (the good screw) with the proper hex wrench
5. take the good screw to the hardware store and buy a new one: match the diameter and thread pitch exactly, match the length approximately
6. reassemble, and make sure to use the proper hex wrench, metric vs inch standard matters much more when dealing with smaller screws like these. have both sets on hand and try each for the best fit.

Good luck!

ia02 · #12 03-02-2011, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by themarshall

Is more thread showing on the bottom of the saddle, the part that contacts the bridge? If so, it would be easier to grab that end and turn it out. New set screw should be less than a $1 at a decent hardware store.

you type faster than me!

Mark Kingston · #13 03-02-2011, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ia02

If the head of the screw is not protruding out of the top of the saddle do this:

1. loosten the string and remove it from the tuner
2. loosten the intonation screw and remove the saddle from the bridge
3. flip the saddle over and remove the screw through the bottom of the bridge with vice grip pliers
4. remove the other screw from the saddle (the good screw) with the proper hex wrench
5. take the good screw to the hardware store and buy a new one: match the diameter and thread pitch exactly, match the length approximately
6. reassemble, and make sure to use the proper hex wrench, metric vs inch standard matters much more when dealing with smaller screws like these. have both sets on hand and try each for the best fit.

Good luck!

You know, I have no idea why it didn't occur to me to do this.
You guys are awesome, thanks for the help everyone.