stubbornly stuck knobs

[harmonic]

Hello everyone. I'm Jack and new to this forum. I really enjoy the information contained within. I have two quick questions:

I just recently got a Squier Vintage Modified p-bass with Duncan split pickups. I'm slowly modifying the little stuff. The knobs, however, are stuck on the shaft.

Should I just continue to use pliers to tug on it until it comes loose, or will this damage the pots too? Also, should I turn the bass over (i.e., where the strings face the ground) and spray a little WD40 into the shaft area?

Thanks in advance.

[pkr2]

Originally Posted by harmonic

Hello everyone. I'm Jack and new to this forum. I really enjoy the information contained within. I have two quick questions:

I just recently got a Squier Vintage Modified p-bass with Duncan split pickups. I'm slowly modifying the little stuff. The knobs, however, are stuck on the shaft.

Should I just continue to use pliers to tug on it until it comes loose, or will this damage the pots too? Also, should I turn the bass over (i.e., where the strings face the ground) and spray a little WD40 into the shaft area?

Thanks in advance.

Hi, Jack. Welcome.
Don't ever use pliers to remove a knob. It will normally ruin both the pot and the knob.

Try the WD40. If that doesn't work, You can Pry them straight up with a couple of screwdrivers and improvised fulcrums. Use a very slight rocking motion as you lift them.

If you have a couple of "church key" beer can openers they work well.

Be sure you pad the finish so you don't mar it.

[harmonic]

Hi Pkr2, I appreciate the advice, especially using a good fulcrum device to slowly nudge it up the shaft. Best. Jack.

[Diego]

This is what I do...it works like a chram and best of all you will never damage the finish on your bass since nothing will come in contact with it as opposed to improvising a fulcrum. Get some strong twine and slide it under the side of the knob. Get another piece of twine and do the same on the other side of the knob. now hold all the pieces of string togehetr (4 ends), make a knot and tie this to a screwdriver (or a rod for that matter). Pull the knobs out.

Best,

Diego

[harmonic]

Originally Posted by Diego

This is what I do...it works like a chram and best of all you will never damage the finish on your bass since nothing will come in contact with it as opposed to improvising a fulcrum. Get some strong twine and slide it under the side of the knob. Get another piece of twine and do the same on the other side of the knob. now hold all the pieces of string togehetr (4 ends), make a knot and tie this to a screwdriver (or a rod for that matter). Pull the knobs out.

Best,

Diego

An excellent idea that I will be using when the new knobs arrive. Thanks Diego. Jack.

[JGR]

stewmac makes a device to do this as well as pull out bridge anchors; it's not exactly cheap, but it works like a charm.

JR