Straplock screw snapped off leaving majority of screw inside the bass. Any help pls?

5 string alex · #1 04-20-2008, 10:27 AM

I seriously need to fix this quick. With gigs coming up its a bad time to have a strapless bass. If it is any help, i am playing an Ibanez BTB555 5 string active bass. It is the top straplock screw not the *butt end* which has snapped.

Is there a DIY way? or do i need to bite the bullet and get it properly repaired... if so, how much would it cost?

Thanks a lot

Alex

Jluckie3 · #2 04-20-2008, 10:35 AM

the diy way would be to just drill a new hole. however you might not want to hurt the finish so there i cannot help

scootron · #3 04-20-2008, 12:36 PM

There is a simple and inexpensive tool with which you can back out that broken screw. Sears carries them. Many other hardware stores. You need the tool, which is similar to a drill bit, and an electric drill with a selection of bits.

If you are good with tools you can do this yourself. If you are not good with tools, maybe not. This is likely what they will do at the shop.

debassr · #4 04-20-2008, 01:19 PM

Is there any of the screw left sticking out? If so, put some tape on the body around the screw to protect the body and use a pair of vice grip needle nose pliers to twist the screw out.

If it's flush or below the surface, you'll need to have it drilled and tapped with reverse threads so it can be extracted properly. Also sometimes you can have a welder spot tack a piece of metal to the end of the screw so it can be spun out - since a strap button would cover it anyway that's not outside the realm of possibility.

Hawaii Islander · #5 04-20-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootron

There is a simple and inexpensive tool with which you can back out that broken screw. Sears carries them. Many other hardware stores. You need the tool, which is similar to a drill bit, and an electric drill with a selection of bits.

If you are good with tools you can do this yourself. If you are not good with tools, maybe not. This is likely what they will do at the shop.

+1

Used one recently for non-bass applications and it works very well. Use a cordless drill at low speed for better control. You'll also need to secure the body of the bass so it doesn't move.

Good Luck.