Alternatives for Fender T-Handle Wrench

[RSBBass]

If the hex key isn't slipping, it it isn't rounding the slot. A properly sized round head hex key is fine.

 

[Geri O]

As Cloven Hoof said I'd also rather have a fixed route as opposed to modifying the tool, but I'll bear that in mind as a back-up plan.

Actually, I'm okay with modifying tools for a specific purpose, but I make several of them when I do and have 2 in one place at all times. Such as I did with several shortened hex wrenches for this purpose.

But I was okay with the Fender ball end hex wrench as well. Never had problems with it rounding out the truss rod nut.

 

[Geri O]

That is what came with my bass and what I have been using so far. Just I can't help but feel like it's slowly rounding out the nut as it doesn't seem to give you as tight of a grip as you'd get with a snug fitting hex key for example.

I can understand that "feeling" that it exhibits when you use it.

But a properly-made ball end hex wrench won't round out the head. I've seen much worse damage done when the ever-so-slightly-wrong size regular hex wrench is used. And many occasions of this damage happening.

 

[Matty Koff]

I find that you really have to jam the ball end in there firmly to ensure you get a good grip. Probably going to scuff the pickguard. I got a cheap set of T handle ball end keys at harbor Freight that imo have a meatier ball than the Fender one.

The routing idea is a good one. I have a Sire P7 and it has a route that allows for normal L shaped allen key in the body and it turns so much more easily than the nut on my American Special P which just has the tiny access point at the heel like you're describing.

 

[Turnaround]

A properly sized round head hex key is fine.

Be sure to get a nice smooth one ...

 

[Geri O]

Be sure to get a nice smooth one ...
View attachment 4246747

 

[RSBBass]

oops ball end.

 

[Cloven Hoof]

Thanks for the reply!

Would you mind sending me a photo of yours once it's done? That way I can ask my usual luthier if he can do something similar. Do you plan to continue using the T-Wrench once that's done or are you having it done so that you can use a different tool?

Also speaking of different tools, do you happen to know whether this one would do a better job?
https://www.thomann.de/nl/fender_allen_key_for_americanneck.htm

 

[larrysb]

The only risk of a ball-end hex wrench is breaking the ball off in the nut. Correctly-sized, it won't damage the nut. That being said, correctly-sized means using an inch-sized wrench with an inch-sized nut, and a metric-sized wrench with a metric nut. Trouble starts with using one that "almost fits" because that's the one you have handy, instead of the one needed.

 

[bbh]

My tech has a lot of bad things to say about the ball end tools. Too easy to strip the nut. He uses Allen keys and mods the tool if necessary. I find the t handles are rough on my hands making it a bit painful to get a good grip on the t handle yet I've never had a problem on my old fenders. I have a straight ball end tool shaped like a screw driver handle. That is easier to use and while still a danger, it is better than a t handle. My fav was a nut driver socke with a simple rod welded on but that is for a typical nut ont truss rod.
Hope my experience helps. Best of luck to ya.

 

[walterw]

As Cloven Hoof said I'd also rather have a fixed route as opposed to modifying the tool, but I'll bear that in mind as a back-up plan.

you and @Cloven Hoof would rather modify a $1500 bass than modify a $1 hex wrench?

just hacksaw off a 3/16" allen key right past the elbow, it'll fit right in and do the job. if you're nervous about losing it then make two

(not a fan of the ball-end T-handle wrench either, it works but without much leverage or control)

 

[walterw]

or, skip all the work and just buy this:

 

[bassbourne]

View attachment 4251249 View attachment 4251250 View attachment 4251251

Thanks for the update, looks like a decent job.