Strap holder screws on bass aren't staying put

Equin · #1 10-09-2007, 10:22 PM

I've got an MIM pbass and the screws holding the strap knobs on keep coming loose (not to the point that the knobs fall off, just to where the knobs are loose and turnable).

What are some solutions to solve this? Bigger sized knobs + screws altogether? It's not hindering my playing at all but I fear it will lead to a more serious problem later on if I don't solve it now.

AlphaMale · #2 10-09-2007, 10:33 PM

Well I had the same problem, you can get new ones at a store or you can un-drill it and put a tough fabric or something that you can drill into inside of the whole. (I've used Q-tips plastic before) and then re-drill it with the thing inside of the whole and it will hold place. I think Ibanez uses velvet most people I know use tooth picks. There is also something I don't completely suggest, and that is super glue, it will work but you don't want it to get on the surface of your bass.

JimmyM · #3 10-09-2007, 10:39 PM

I take popsicle sticks and break off a piece small enough to fit in the hole, then I cover it in wood glue and screw the strap button in. It usually stays very well.

Equin · #4 10-09-2007, 11:51 PM

Thanks guys! I'ma figure out which solution to do tomorrow. The popsicle stick thing doesn't sound too hard, just need some wood glue.

For the q-tip method would I just stick it in there without and glue or anything?

kyral210 · #5 10-10-2007, 12:14 AM

Straplocks are kind of stupid. The guitarist turns around during a gig, a spring flys out of your straplock, and your left standing there with a bass on the ground!

Why spend £30 either? Go down to your hardware store and get two cheap, simple, metal washers. Unscrew your current strap pin, and go for this configuration:

strap holder
washer
strap
fabric disk they all add

Ok, now screw the whole thing firm in. Use that lollipop stick idea to help the screw stay in tighter. What have you now got? A strap that wont come off for world war 3!

I am a metal bassists, and throw myself around the stage alot when I play, I do this on all my basses/ guitars, and have NEVER had a problem. I wish I could say the same for other systems I have used.

sobie18 · #6 10-10-2007, 12:26 AM

I use 1 1/2" screws. I take a Dremel and grind the head so that they fit into the strap lock and screw them bad boys in. No problems EVER.

Wood doesn't crack or distort either. Safe & sound.

And for you weight conscious folks, doesn't add a bit of extra weight.

Jeff K · #7 10-11-2007, 02:28 PM

Another simple fix is to remove the screws, put a drop or two of water in the holes. That will expand the wood that's already there to make it tight around the screws.

xshawnxearthx · #8 10-11-2007, 02:29 PM

get some wood matches and break them off so they go in the hole and are flush. drop some super glue in the hole. screw screw in. end of story

Asa Samuel · #9 10-11-2007, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xshawnxearthx

get some wood matches and break them off so they go in the hole and are flush. drop some super glue in the hole. screw screw in. end of story

good, but not perfect.

dont fill the hole, make sure theres a hole in the middle so its still easy to get the screw in but you can still get grip, so split them in half lengthways aswell.

also, no glue, definatly no glue, there are a few threads where this was used and the horn cracked.

SteveC · #10 10-11-2007, 03:02 PM

I used matches and wood glue. I stuffed that mix into the hole, then screwed in my straploc screw. They haven't moved since. Best little repair I've done.

guy n. cognito · #11 10-11-2007, 03:26 PM

Toothpicks and woodglue. No need to fill the hole, just add a toothpick or two covered with glue, reinsert screw. Some of you would call NASA to screw in a lightbulb.....

I've been playing bass since 1987, and I've never had a "spring" pop out of a straplock. Straplocks work just fine, no need to permanently attach your strap to your bass. Of course, I'm not a metal bassist.

**Thor** · #12 10-11-2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass_Junkie

good, but not perfect.

dont fill the hole, make sure theres a hole in the middle so its still easy to get the screw in but you can still get grip, so split them in half lengthways aswell.

also, no glue, definatly no glue, there are a few threads where this was used and the horn cracked.

I saw that pic. I don't think the glue was the culprit.
I'll see if I can dig it up with a search, something too seldom
used.

Questions on the toothpick method for screw holes
Too bad, the pic is gone. That cat did real number on it!

Question on toothpick method on screw holes

Opinions on this vary widely.

kyral210 · #13 10-11-2007, 04:53 PM

Quote:

I've been playing bass since 1987, and I've never had a "spring" pop out of a straplock. Straplocks work just fine, no need to permanently attach your strap to your bass. Of course, I'm not a metal bassist.

True, if your into funk of a playing style where you stay still allot, then strap locks are a gift from god. If on the other hand you like to move around, the simple washer is the best thing on earth!

Joe Nerve · #14 10-11-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

Toothpicks and woodglue. No need to fill the hole, just add a toothpick or two covered with glue, reinsert screw. Some of you would call NASA to screw in a lightbulb.....

I've been playing bass since 1987, and I've never had a "spring" pop out of a straplock. Straplocks work just fine, no need to permanently attach your strap to your bass. Of course, I'm not a metal bassist.

+ 1 on both parts.

I've done the toothpick glue thing on the majority of basses I've owned. It THE simple time tested remedy for a very common problem.

I also have no idea what this means...???

Quote:

The guitarist turns around during a gig, a spring flys out of your straplock, and your left standing there with a bass on the ground!

Edit (after seeing the post before this) - I am not a bassist who stands still and I never had that problem.

lowendgenerator · #15 10-11-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyral210

True, if your into funk of a playing style where you stay still allot, then strap locks are a gift from god. If on the other hand you like to move around, the simple washer is the best thing on earth!

LOL please stop. The guy just wants his strap buttons to stay put.

Worst case scenario, get some 1/2 inch maple doweling and drill an equal sized hole an inch deep into the bass. Coat the dowel in wood glue and hammer it home using a phillips head screwdriver like a punch. You won't even see it once the strap buttons are back on but the peace of mind you get from knowing that NOTHING is moving that button is pure bliss.