Anyone ever drill and bolt down their pedals?

I guess you've checked clearance inside the pedals? Know a boss or two where I doubt there's enough space. Other than that, just here to see the results. Good luck!

 

Your method would make it a bit more difficult to move things around when a new pedal is added.

 

I use 2” commercial Velcro. Insanely hard to remove a pedal.

 

I've replaced two of the screws that bolt the bottom plate to the pedal with longer screws that allowed me to run them through the board I made. You could try something like that with the holeyboard without damaging the pedal itself.

I do think doing this kind of sucks because it doesn't let you move pedals without a whole pedal-moving-session, but it's not my board so if that gives you peace of mind that's a thing you can try.

 

Bicycle chain links can serve a similar function with less modifications/effort. I’ve done this in the past but dual lock is virtually perfect for my needs.

 

A simple Google search containing the terms: "bicycle chain link effect pedal mount" brought up tons of info. Did you try that?

Here's the first search result:

 

...And here are the items to purchase:

Universal Guitar Pedal Mounting Kit | eBay

 

It's not that your original idea won't work, it just seems like an overly destructive way to achieve your end goal.

 

Take out the screws on the corners & put them back in through a picture hanger clip.
Now screw that open part of the picture hanger to your board.

 

I’m sure the idea would work, I’d just worry about introducing any sort of avenue inside the pedal for moisture to get in or possibly the bolt head touching anything inside that shouldn’t be touched. Would there be a way to cover the bolt head and hole with some kind of gasket or silicone to keep the internals insulated?

I’ve had really good luck with my pedals and Temple pedalboards using the super heavy-duty 3M Velcro from Home Depot, and it lets me make both micro and macro adjustments. However, if you don’t mind the extra work with your method then give it a try…who knows, you may end up discovering the new hotness in how to mount pedals?

 

The bigger problem to me would be if you ever need to change patch cables, or pedals at a gig. You could try to arrange your pedals in a way that you will be able to remove patch and power cables without removing pedals, but depending on your layout and how tight your board is that's not always practical.

There's not always a lot of time at load in and sound check to mess with stuff like that, nevermind if you discover a bad cable or pedal DURING the gig.

 

I

As I was reading the first post in this thread I happened to glance over at the board I'm populating for tonight. Major cringe seeing my OC-2 Octave. Everyone's different but thinking I was never going to change configurations would be utterly delusional.

 

I've used the "bike chain links" method for years with no issues. I don't see how the installation method is messy since you are literally taking the screw off the bottom of the pedal, putting the screw through the hole of the link, and putting the screw back in the same hole. Certainly not as messy as the method you are proposing. As to causing a conflict with neighboring pedal, I don't even know what that means. It isn't like the links are large and there has to be room for the patch cable. Plus you can rotate the link to move out of the way.

 

Oliver Ackerman of Death By Audio and A Place To Bury Strangers does this. 4:40ish

 

Yes, I have, when I was a kid.
It was one of the more foolish things I've done

VELCRO is your friend

But that chain link idea is very clever too

 

Why not use Velcro? I’ve been using industrial strength Velcro for years and years. I’ve never had a pedal fall off of my boards. I’ve got probably a hundred pedals and maybe ten different boards.

 

So does that big ol' giant pedal speed dial his Sweetwater Rep too