stripped truss rod head

[eq777]

Need help. How do I fix a stripped truss rod head on a MIM Fender Jazz 5 Deluxe?

[Slowgypsy]

What actually is stripped? The truss rod -or- the truss rod nut?

[john grey]

It's always more helpful if you are more verbal in your discernment of what the issues are or (best) include a picture.

IF the unit is stripped you obviously have an issue - as a die will be too large to fit into the opening of the adjustment cut-out. However if the statement is correct and it IS the head assembly that is messed up you have a situation of cross-thread which might be alterable. Obviously you may use a tap but cannot use a die; therefore obtain a blunt tap of appropriate thread gauge & a very sharp steep triangular file.

So if you do have a Fender adjustment nut cross-threaded on to the Truss-rod end, remove the adjustment nut and purchase a tap of the same size (obviously). Run the tap as deep as possible into the adjustment nut; some taps are available with the point bobbed so you can get a deeper cut. Once those threads are cleaned examine the end of the threaded rod and determine if any of the threads are bent over (cross threaded). Use a sharp triangular file to cut the bent threads away. Use a fairly heavy lubricant (even grease) and begin with the neck REMOVED so you can clearly see what you're doing and begin to re-thread with the adjustment nut at a 90 degree plain to the thread. You simply follow the threads with the file blade: it will be obvious when viewed in bright light where the threads have collapsed. Begin just before the threads are bent down and cut new thread channels.Don't be uptight about removing the cross threaded section with the blade of the file, there will be more than enough threads to hold. Work the unit back & forth till you are satisfied with the bite.

[Slowgypsy]

Actually, if the truss rod nut is stripped... just get a new one... costs about $3.00.

If the truss rod itself is stripped, Stew Mac sells a special tool to make that repair... but, depending on your experience level working on instruments, you might be better served taking it to a pro for that fix.

But, a better description of what the problem actually is will get you better solution options here.

[eq777]

It is the truss rod nut that is stripped. But, do I have to remove the neck. I guess I do because I can't see any way to get to it since its deep inside the top of the neck. Removing the neck seems like a task for a skilled pro because the measurements, tension, angles, etc... have to be perfect correct? Or, is this a diy project?

[john grey]

No, it sounds like your best option is to have a good guy do the work. Take it to someone who does that work well.

[Slowgypsy]

Originally Posted by eq777

It is the truss rod nut that is stripped. But, do I have to remove the neck. I guess I do because I can't see any way to get to it since its deep inside the top of the neck. Removing the neck seems like a task for a skilled pro because the measurements, tension, angles, etc... have to be perfect correct? Or, is this a diy project?

I'm curious... how do you know it's the threads on the nut, and not the threads on the rod, that are stripped? If you haven't taken the nut off and examined it, I don't know how you'd be able to tell.

Removing the neck is a very easy, straightforward procedure. It all depends on how much hands on experience you already have... or how deep you want to get into this. Do you do your own setups? Have you worked on your instrument before?

Taking your instrument to a pro for diagnosis and fix is never wrong... it just costs a certain dollar amount.

[eq777]

Well it's quite obvious by now that I'm not that knowledgeable in this area. I can set up my bass basically(adjusting my truss rod, raising/lowering my strings, etc...but I'm afraid to take the neck off. I don't know what the actual name of the piece is called. But when I put my L shaped wrench into the truss rod to get some neck relief, it just turns without catching. It was catching about two weeks ago, but now it wont. What ever that is, its stripped. If I use a small flashlight, I can see the where the piece is stripped.

[Darth Handsome]

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

I'm curious... how do you know it's the threads on the nut, and not the threads on the rod, that are stripped? If you haven't taken the nut off and examined it, I don't know how you'd be able to tell.

Removing the neck is a very easy, straightforward procedure. It all depends on how much hands on experience you already have... or how deep you want to get into this. Do you do your own setups? Have you worked on your instrument before?

Taking your instrument to a pro for diagnosis and fix is never wrong... it just costs a certain dollar amount.

Judging by his apprehensions to taking the neck off, I'd say it's safe to guess he doesn't do his own set-ups & has not worked on an instrument before.

OP, take it to the shop. Or proceed at your own risk.

[Slowgypsy]

Originally Posted by eq777

Well it's quite obvious by now that I'm not that knowledgeable in this area. I can set up my bass basically(adjusting my truss rod, raising/lowering my strings, etc...but I'm afraid to take the neck off. I don't know what the actual name of the piece is called. But when I put my L shaped wrench into the truss rod to get some neck relief, it just turns without catching. It was catching about two weeks ago, but now it wont. What ever that is, its stripped. If I use a small flashlight, I can see the where the piece is stripped.

Take it to a repair tech.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by eq777

...when I put my L shaped wrench into the truss rod to get some neck relief, it just turns without catching.

If I use a small flashlight, I can see the where the piece is stripped.

are you using the correct 3/16" hex wrench?

if so, it's the nut itself, then.

take it to a tech, who will unscrew it out of the bass and replace it. shouldn't be that big a deal.

[eq777]

Thanks for all the advice guys!!!

[72LML]

eq777

Check out this thread. If you look at page 2 about half way down I made a tutorial on how to remove a stripped truss rod nut. PM me if you have any questions.

Bad neck