Truss rod nut - dodged a bullet

[okcrum]

I just got a MIM Jazz V from the 'bay at a good price. When I went to adjust the relief, I noticed the standard 3/16" hex wrench was slipping, as though the hex head was stripped. Just on a whim, I tried a 7/32" hex key, which turned the nut loose (no way I was going to tighten it by now). Still, I was worried, since that hex key shouldn't fit. So I'm thinking "cracked". And "bottomed out".

Not only was the head of the nut cracked, it was cracked in three places. The head had spread enough it wouldn't just come out of the neck. So after I got it unscrewed from the truss rod, I threaded a long bolt into it, grabbed that with pliers, and tapped it out of the neck.

For a few minutes I was thinking various exotic solutions with superglue, silver solder, etc. There's no way a screw extractor would have done much except fracture the bolt further.

So a couple of spacers and a new nut later. I'm back in business. I also have a newfound appreciation for why the whole truss rod adjustment setup is designed the way it is, at least on these basses.

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by okcrum

So after I got it unscrewed from the truss rod, I threaded a long bolt into it, grabbed that with pliers, and tapped it out of the neck.

I am impressed. Just learned a new trick, thanks.