URGENT STRAP LOCK HELP

Metalhead8590 · #1 07-05-2007, 07:01 PM

Hey guys i just bought a ESP LTD F-404fm and i bought some straplocks for it. well anyways, i was trying to install them but about 4/5th of the way into my bass's body, i stripped the screw and now i cant get it out. can someone please help because i dont want to crack the body or anything.

By the way, theyre the dunlop ones with the ball bearing in em. I have the button on the screw and i cant plier it or anything.

Seamus O'Twonk · #2 07-05-2007, 07:46 PM

I would suggest using a Dremel or similar rotary tool to cut a slot into the head of the screw. Then you should be able to use a larger flat-bladed screwdriver to remove the screw.

When you refit the straplock with a new screw, make sure that you redrill the hole deeper if the replacement is longer than the factory original that you initially took out of the bass. That way this shouldn't happen again, ok?

Good luck!

Basshole · #3 07-05-2007, 07:52 PM

If you can get a bite on the head of the screw with a needle-nose Vice-Grips, I'd back the screw out, and replace it with a fresh screw, being careful to match the screw to the hole more carefully next time (whether you use a smaller screw, or drill a bigger pilot hole).

Fuzzy Dustmite · #4 07-05-2007, 08:03 PM

Same thing happened with my Sterling and my Dunlop straplok dual designs. I of course failed to read the instructions which said to drill a 7/64 pilot hole.

I used a dremel to cut off the stripped head, which left only about 1/16" of a usable bit of the screw. I put masking tape all around the hole to protect the bass body, then used some vice grips to grab that little edge that was sticking out. All that was left was to unscrew it basically.

I was surprised that it actually came out and I didn't mess anything up, as opposed to most times when I try something like that!

billbass1 · #5 07-05-2007, 08:08 PM

Next time ,apply a coating of wax or hard soap on the threads
first , then screw it................

ehque · #6 07-10-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzy Dustmite

I of course failed to read the instructions which said to drill a 7/64 pilot hole.

there's your problem. same thing happened to me. Luthite body disintegrated around the screw hole, and i had to build it up with toothpicks.

grayhawk1853 · #7 07-10-2007, 01:25 PM

Did this once. wrapped towels around the neck and body and used a hacksaw to slowly cut through the screw, then used vice-grips to remove the rest of the screw. Next I used the original screws instead of the larger ones. I've done this with every set since. I check them periodically and they have always stayed tight.