Anyone have a source for these screws & grommets?

[Harold Runyan]

I have a 2004 American Deluxe Jazz bass that is missing screws and grommets from a couple of tuners. I’ve contacted Fender and Schaller to no avail (they responded promptly but couldn’t help). Does anyone have a clue on replacing these without just buying new tuners? The tuners still work and I like them so I can’t just give up without exhausting every effort over a few dollars worth of parts. The local hardware was of no help. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[RSBBass]

First you need to ID the screw: length, thickness, thread pitch and head shape. Then search fastener sites. Macmaster Carr and Grainger are often good sites.

 

[fdeck]

Those look similar to my Schaller ultra-lights, but mine don't have the screws. Still, it's worth seeing if Schaller knows.

 

[Harold Runyan]

Thanks for the input. I’ve used this vendor before with great success but my issue is with identifying the specs on the screw and grommets. Fender didn’t know nor did Schaller. This screw is pretty small and the sizing templates at the hardware store were of no help. The thread pitch is the most problematic. I can micrometer the other dimensions. I suppose I can make several guesses and do trial and error.

 

[Ralph Manak]

McMaster-Carr may be a source for the screws. If the grommets are impossible (one of the luthier suppliers may have them), perhaps a correctly-sized bushing will work.

 

[SharpCat]

If it was me, I’d 3D print new bushings for all 4 in a nice color and get matching screws from McMaster. Then I’d save the two now unused original bushings just in case.

 

[wjcstp]

You should be able to take one of the screws to a good hardware store with a thread-in screw size checker and get a replacement that fits, though it may be a custom length.

The grommet may be harder, you could look at finishing washers that size, but again, I’d take one with you to compare dimensions.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

If you have any luthiers or guitar workshops in your area, that's where I would start. They often have a large selection of faulty tuners/hardware that they keep as spare parts for situations like this, when a customer needs a specific screw/bushing/etc. that can't be found anywhere else.

 

[klyph]

The common SAE sizes in that range are 8-32, 6-32, and 4-40. These are hard to find in hardware stores because they often get shoplifted and the ubiquitous automatic replenishment system is unaware, meaning they don’t get shipped. For metric, you’re looking at M1.5 or M2, but I don’t know what the pitch (the second number) would be. The suggestion to remove another screw and use it for sizing is a good one.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Thanks for the input. I’ve used this vendor before with great success but my issue is with identifying the specs on the screw and grommets. Fender didn’t know nor did Schaller. This screw is pretty small and the sizing templates at the hardware store were of no help. The thread pitch is the most problematic. I can micrometer the other dimensions. I suppose I can make several guesses and do trial and error.

If the tuners are made by Schaller, then the screws are going to be metric. I don't think I have any of those particular tuners around here at the moment, but by eye, they look like M3 size. Take one out and measure the diameter with some calipers. It's probably right around 3.0 mm. Or, if my eyeball is off, it might be 2.5 mm (M2.5) or 2.0 mm (M2).

Then measure the length, from the underside of the head to the end of the threads. It's probably 5 mm or 6 mm long. Some even number of mm.

Don't worry about the thread pitch. If it's an M3 screw, the thread pitch will be 0.5 mm.

If that's what it measures out to be, the standard designation for the screw would be: M3 x 0.5 x 5mm. That's what you should be shopping for. Hardware store, Auto parts store, Amazon, McMasters. Small metric screws are commonly available.

 

[Topkat13]

Have you reached out to Grommet?

 

[L Anthony]

Is that a grommet under the screw, or is that a finishing washer?

You might try these people, but you might have to buy more than you'll need. (I've never used the company myself, so I can't speak about them): Metric Screw & Tool Company | Metric Fasteners | Call 1-800-METRIC-1

 

[Derek Johnson]

Did you ever figure anything out for these?