Strap bolt problems

BassPlayer900 · #1 10-19-2011, 02:56 PM

I am new to this forum, so I am sorry if I posted this in the wrong place.

I have been having trouble with my bass's strap bolt at the top. It tends to be loosened very easily (I'm not sure if this is normal though. I had the same problem with my electric guitar. Eventually it came out of it and I lost the screw. One of many reasons why I don't like playing it much). I'm not sure if this has to do with the strap I am attaching to the strap bolts or not. I use a Planet Waves strap, and I'm not sure if it's the quality of the strap, the quality of the strap bolts, or like I mentioned before, if this is just normal.

bassteban · #2 10-19-2011, 03:02 PM

The hole is likely worn out- the screw will continue to work it's way loose until you do something to make it tight again. An age-old remedy is to insert wood(toothpicks or similarly-sized shavings/splinters)- some glue them in; I rely on friction & have had no problems.
As w/many setup/repair questions, opinions vary widely on the wisdom of this fix. It has worked for me on more than one occasion.

Edit: Some reading material: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/search...archid=9120082

BassPlayer900 · #3 10-19-2011, 04:00 PM

Okay. Thanks!

Edit: Are you saying that a toothpick can be used to replace the screw?

testing1two · #4 10-19-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassPlayer900

Okay. Thanks!

Edit: Are you saying that a toothpick can be used to replace the screw?

Here's the step by step:

1. Find some round toothpicks (they are typically made of harder wood than the square ones)
2. Remove the screw & strap button
3. See how far the toothpicks fit into the hole and trim 2 or 3 to that length
4. Put a drop of wood glue in the screw hole and coat the toothpicks with glue
5. Put the toothpicks in the hole
6. Reinstall the screw being careful to wipe up any excess glue. The glue won't actually stick to the screw but the crushed toothpicks and glue will form new threads that the screw can grab onto.
7. Let the glue dry according to the manufacturer's recommendation
8. Reinstall the strap button and check that the screw is tight and you're good as new

As stated earlier, the glue is optional but it makes for a longer lasting fix IMO.

BassPlayer900 · #5 10-19-2011, 05:40 PM

Ok, thanks for the explanation.