Are strap locks actually terrible or is it just me?

[KoalaOnBass]

Hey talkbassers, I need your insights. I've always heard people raving about strap locks and how essential they are to keeping instruments safe. It made perfect sense, so I bought Invalid Link Removed a few years ago.

Only problem was...they kept coming apart randomly (the two metal bits screwed together with the strap sandwiched in between). If that had happened while standing up, my bass would've ended up on the floor. I thought the whole point of strap locks was to PREVENT this from happening??

So I stopped using them and resorted to rubber washers (which actually work great). Recently, though, I bought a used bass which came with a different brand of strap locks installed - same problem, the two parts keep coming apart. I can't use rubber washers on this one, as I'm using a thick leather strap that the washers won't fit over.

So what's going on here? Am I doing something wrong? Are there better-designed strap locks out there that actually work (the ones I had are well-reviewed, though)?? Am I just crazy?

 

[LBS-bass]

You're not crazy. I use the rubber washers as well. The only time I ever dropped a bass on stage was due to strap lock failure and I've never used them again.

 

[dramatwist]

...another one of those gizmos that you don't need, unless you like to get liquored up onstage...

 

[byacey]

I use strap locks (Schaller) without any problems. A drop of blue Loctite on the machine screw threads, tighten them down good, and you're set for years. Fooling around trying to fit rubber washers that can eventually crack or pop off seems bush league in my opinion.

 

[LBS-bass]

I use strap locks (Schaller) without any problems. A drop of blue Loctite on the machine screw threads, tighten them down good, and you're set for years. Fooling around trying to fit rubber washers that can eventually crack or pop off seems bush league in my opinion.

If you're ok with making them a permanent fixture, this is probably true. I like the option of removing and replacing my strap.

 

[catcauphonic]

Never saw those, but the Dunlops on my Spector have been stable for 5+ years so far

 

[Passinwind]

If you're ok with making them a permanent fixture, this is probably true. I like the option of removing and replacing my strap.

Blue Loctite is specifically made to allow disassembly with basic hand tools.

 

[byacey]

If you're ok with making them a permanent fixture, this is probably true. I like the option of removing and replacing my strap.

You can still undo the threads to install on a different strap using a pair of pliers, but it won't ever unthread on it's own. The blue loctite is removable strength

 

[buldog5151bass]

My Lull came with strap locks, I believe Schallers, never had an issue in 15 years. My Fender has the original hardware, no issues in 35 years. I've never seen those strap locks, so I don't know about that design.

 

[Spectre1966]

I use the rubber washers and never take my strap off my basses.

 

[lokikallas]

I doesn’t hurt to use a wrench to tighten down the nut a bit. Hand tight is not tight enough IME. Loctite is good too.

 

[delta7fred]

I've used Schallers since about 1980 when I caught my bass a few inches before it hit the floor after the strap popped off the button.

Periodically check the screws into the bass body and the nuts that clamp onto the strap for tightness and you will have no problems.

I've worn a couple of sets out over that time with jumping around on stage.

 

[J_Bass]

I use Schaller strap locks. They work great, zero issues.

 

[LBS-bass]

Blue Loctite is specifically made to allow disassembly with basic hand tools.

That's good to know. I'll keep that in mind if I ever have a problem with my washers. But they have been working pretty well.

 

[Vinny_G]

What do you think of locking straps? I know there's less choice of colors and patterns, but it depends on what you expect from a strap. https://www.sweetwater.com/c932--Locking_Guitar_Straps

This brand seems to have a little more choice than others: Lock-It Guitar Straps

 

[wvbass]

Yay!!! Another thread about straplocks! Sarcasm aside, I've tried just about everything. The OP's Fender locks are similar to the Hennessey locks I have. They work fine, as do my Schallers (both original and S-Locks), Dunlops, Loxx, Warwicks, D'Addario dual locks, Planet Waves locking straps, SureLock locking straps, rubber washers, and metal washers with the strap pins removed. The two dominant players in the strap lock market are dominant because they have the best products.

I have found strap locks to be like every other piece of equipment in my life. If you do zero maintenance, it will fail eventually. If you do periodic maintenance, well, mechanical equipment still fails eventually, but usually you can see it coming.

EDIT: I also agree with those that say there is zero need for strap locks. I've seen a lot of statues on stage holding guitars and basses.

 

[BakedMaple]

I prefer the Dunlop strap locks.

Flush mount is my favorite but it’s a huge commitment.

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Dunlop dual designs use a different attachment method so there’s nothing that can come unscrewed- I switched to them and stopped using Schaller type straplocks many years ago because of the random nut loosening thing.

 

[Vinny_G]

Dunlop dual designs use a different attachment method so there’s nothing that can come unscrewed- I switched to them and stopped using Schaller type straplocks many years ago because of the random nut loosening thing.

This problem has been fixed with the new version, making it the best on the market.
Invalid Link Removed

 

[DWBass]

Got Dunlops on all my basses. Zero failures so far.