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Dunlop Straplock Problem

#23
My last few basses I tried a new trick. I agree about the stock screws being cheap, so I go to the local hardware store and pick up a couple beefier screws, then grind the heads down to fit into the straplock. Feels much more secure, at least in my mind.

Cheap screws or not, they're stilly favorite straplocks.
 
#24
Rip Topaz said:
My last few basses I tried a new trick. I agree about the stock screws being cheap, so I go to the local hardware store and pick up a couple beefier screws, the grind the heads down to fit into the straplock. Feels much more secure, at least in my mind.

Cheap screws or not, they're stilly favorite straplocks.
Click to expand...

Yessir! Done this a few times myself with the Dremel which also comes in handy when re-sizing the screwhole.

Lube, use the correct bit, and if you encounter an inordinate amount of resistance, back the screw out and re-think your plan of attack.

Riis
 
#28
Yeah, basic mechanical stuff right there - if a wood screw is going in too hard, either it's threads need some wax or the hole needs to be bigger or deeper... What you don't do is continue to force it in...

Although I prefer Schallers, I've never had a problem installing Dunlops, nor any problems using them, either...


- georgestrings
 
#29
I have them on ALL of my basses, and love them. My advise is don't try it at home. Have your tech put them on for $10. If you strip out the holes yourself you'll be spending way more to get a tech to put dowels in the holes, sand, and refinish. Otherwise if you're going to do it, be careful! If they come loose over time, you can break a toothpick and insert that in the screw hole and reinstall them. That will tighten it up.
 
#30
+1 to everybody here, but it would be nice if they used a harder metal for the screws...

I just got my "4 free screws" from them after a very simple email..I didnt get any picks or stickers like someone else did in an earlier post though....
 
#31
Im not installing them once and leaving them, I take them out when I sell a bad and install them in and install them in new basses. Maybe that's the issue, maybe they are a use once type of item
 
#32
MVPBASS said:
Im not installing them once and leaving them, I take them out when I sell a bad and install them in and install them in new basses. Maybe that's the issue, maybe they are a use once type of item
Click to expand...

Not at all, just don't reuse the screws. If you email Dunlop, they'll send you another set of screws, or you can go to the hardware store and get beefier ones and grind them to fit.
 
#33
Rip Topaz said:
Not at all, just don't reuse the screws. If you email Dunlop, they'll send you another set of screws, or you can go to the hardware store and get beefier ones and grind them to fit.
Click to expand...

Yeah they've done that before. I have 4 sets of Dunlops and have gone through 16 screws
 
#35
I am a Schaller guy, but what I typically do is coat the screw with some wood glue. It acts as a lubricant for the screw and when it dries, it basically acts like threadlocker. And yes, you can still remove the screw, but you do have to break it loose from the glue bond.

I've never had a strap lock screw loosen on me.
 
#36
I had this problem when I was trying to install on solid bubinga bodies. I have installed maybe 600 pairs of these strap locks. Most important thing is for the pilot hole to be the same size as the core of the screw. So when it's installed mainly the screw threads are cutting into the wood. Wood glue isn't a bad idea either but if done properly I don't think it's necessary.

Hope this helps. They are great strap locks, I have them on all my instruments.
 
#37
Once I put them on a bass I would never take them off. They stay on the bass. Maybe I've just been lucky as well, but i'd rather use the screw that the stock strap button was held on with than use the supplied one from Dunlop. Guaranteed to fit.

I know the last ones I installed were on my Lakland, and the screws Lakland used didn't fit in the Schaller strap button, but fit just fine in the Dunlop, so I went with those. Been 100% secure ever since.

I do have both brands of strap locks, but I think I like the Dunlops better now, the Schallers just have some other issues that come with them that make them just a tad annoying.
 
#39

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