Bridge screw broken off IN bass

Planet Boulder · #1 01-03-2005, 03:12 PM

Saw a similar thread, but it concerned a bridge screw that broke off outside of the bridge screw hole. My issue concerns a screw that has broken off IN the bass (i.e., there is no tip sticking out that I can latch onto).

Is there any way to get the thing out without gouging a gigantic hole in the bass? Any help would be much appreciated!

pilotjones · #2 01-03-2005, 03:39 PM

method one- get an EZ Out (screw extractor) and matching pilot drill. Do not let the pilot drill slip off the screw stump and into the wood-- a drill press is recommended.

method two- same as the advice offered in other threads- make a hollow core drill out of some tubing, to cut some free space around the screw to get some vice grips on it. Then redrill and dowel plug when done.

Trevorus · #3 01-03-2005, 05:43 PM

I also want to advocate the drilling out method, but remember to use a center punch to mark the spot where you will be drilling. I had to do this on a strap pin on a $5000 custom guitar, and I iused the sleve of a rivet to align my bit so I wouldn't drill out any wood.

Hambone · #4 01-03-2005, 07:17 PM

There isn't enough material in the middle of the standard bridge wood screw to punch, drill, and then use an extractor. Wood screws have far to large a thread. Best thing is a hollow extractor, either homemade or storebought.

And don't worry about having to dowel up the hole and redrill. It's under the bridge and will never be seen.

Trevorus · #5 01-03-2005, 07:25 PM

what I have done is just drilled out the screw with progressively larger bits until I just about had it gone. There may be bits of the thread left in there, but usually it won't affect anything.