Screw for strap button keeps falling out

SuperSnake2012 · #1 07-28-2007, 10:24 PM

I just bought an Ibanez RD505 on eBay and the screw for the strap button on the bottom seems to be too short. The screw goes in the hole but does not stay in. The button falls out all the time and I don't know what to do. Do strap locks have longer screws? I was thinking of buying those anyway, so I dunno if that would be a solution to my problem.

coolrunner989 · #2 07-28-2007, 10:32 PM

get straplocks and a longer screw - take the straplocks to the store with you and try out different sized screws. It should be a fairly standard size..

Smallmouth_Bass · #3 07-28-2007, 10:43 PM

The screws that come with most straplocks have threads that look like they were designed for something else (metal?). If you look at wood screws, you'll notice that they have much more of an aggressive thread pitch. It doesn't necessarily have to be longer.

Also, a quick fix for your currently stripped screw hole is to snap some toothpicks in the hole and re-screw it in. The wood from the toothpicks will compress and the threads should hold. This sometimes only helps temporarily as the wood may be prone to strip again.

I'd go with a wood screw. You may have to grind the outer diameter of the head to fit through the strap pin though.

!Rob! · #4 07-28-2007, 10:45 PM

ditto to the above, also you can use some white glue for extra reinforcement

my dunlop straplocks did come with longer screws that the originals

mellobud · #5 07-28-2007, 10:45 PM

More than 1 way to skin this cat.

Toothpicks+wood glue

Longer/larger screw appropriately drilled

etc.

you could always raid a junkyard and bolt on a seatbelt...

Smallmouth_Bass · #6 07-28-2007, 10:48 PM

I don't know about the Dunlop straplocks, but the Schaller ones have pretty wimpy screws. I like the actual locks better on the Schallers though and I outfit all my basses and straps with them.

coolrunner989 · #7 07-28-2007, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellobud

you could always raid a junkyard and bolt on a seatbelt...

WOW! I've had an idea of a cheap project bass to do (MM SUB or SX jazz or something) and I will totally do that! haha that would be the funniest thing ive ever seen on a bass...

lowendgenerator · #8 07-29-2007, 08:54 AM

+1 for Toothpicks and woodglue.

scootron · #9 07-29-2007, 09:01 AM

Just fitted three basses yesterday with Schaller strap buttons, used the toothpicks and wood glue on each. You should use a good quality toothpick if you can find one, though. If you are careful and do it right, they will stay strong.

cb56 · #10 07-29-2007, 09:06 AM

I've done the toothpick/matchstick thing on several basses and it's always worked perfectly with no problems after years of use. I've never even bothered to use woodglue although i'm sure it wouldn't hurt anything.

lowendgenerator · #11 07-29-2007, 09:14 AM

In a pinch a few weeks ago, I used a torn piece of beer coaster in the hole. Definitely not a permanent fix, but it made it through a 4 hour gig without a hiccup.

sobie18 · #12 07-29-2007, 09:17 AM

I buy 1-1/2" (inch and a half) length screws and take a dremel to the head so that they fit inside the straplock. I've NEVER had any problems whatsoever.

lowendgenerator · #13 07-29-2007, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sobie18

I buy 1-1/2" (inch and a half) length screws and take a dremel to the head so that they fit inside the straplock. I've NEVER had any problems whatsoever.

In regards to head size, I've had great luck with inserting the screw thread first into a drill chuck and using a file/sandpaper to take off what I need. Check often against the strap button to make sure you don't take off too much. I think I got one to fit in the large dremel chuck once, but I have since loaned out/lost that piece.

redstrand · #14 07-29-2007, 10:00 AM

Two words.

Gorilla Glue.

Get a longer screw and use this glue. It will never come back out. The bass I bought slightly used has drywall screw of various lengths. had to get two longer ones and used the glue.

Rock solid now.

driver800 · #15 07-29-2007, 10:23 AM

Another thing that helps is to use a "felt" washer on the screw. It tends to relieve some of the pressure of the metal against wood where the strap button contacts the bass.

When I get a bass, one of the first things I do cut some toothpicks into 4 or 5 "slivers" and put them in the hole with wood glue. Let it dry, then trim off the excess sticking out of the whole. I make or find a felt washer and thread it onto the screw. I've never had one of these come out.

SuperSnake2012 · #16 07-29-2007, 11:04 AM

I tried the toothpick thing and it seems to work pretty well. The strap button isn't going anywhere now.

Who knew? Haha.

RobertUI · #17 07-30-2007, 07:10 AM

Instead of toothpicks, I like to use take-out chinese chopsticks... they're made of bamboo and about the right diameter for the hole in question. i put some wood glue in the hole, bang in the small end of the chopstick and wipe off the excess wood glue. after it dries, i use a razor to score around the chopstick and break it off. now i screw my strap button back into the middle of the new "wood" works well for me!