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Fixing Strap Locks

S

squish_man24

Jan 14, 2007
188
1
38
Timmins, Ontario
www.myspace.com
#1
So, I've seen a few threads around here before about people having problems with their strap locks actually coming out of the basses because of the hole bring stripped or something.
I saw some suggestions on how to fix them, but the only one I can remember is putting toothpicks (or some other small piece of wood) back in the hole and then attempting to screw the strap locks back in, but I don't have any toothpicks or wood chips lying around.

Anyone have any suggestions?
 
#7
are you talking about the Schaller straplocks, or the Dunlop ones? The schallers have smaller diameter screws, so they tend to have more problems than the dunlop straplocks.

What I have done for years is use thick cyanoacrylate superglue on the inside of the hole. this stabilizes the wood and can build up the hole. If it's really bad you can use baking soda and build up layers in the hole. Got this method from the Guitarplayer Repair Guide.
 
#8
tbonesullivan said:
are you talking about the Schaller straplocks, or the Dunlop ones? The schallers have smaller diameter screws, so they tend to have more problems than the dunlop straplocks.
Click to expand...

True about the Schallers have smaller screws, but I have always used the original screw from the original strap button and have never had a problem whatsoever.
I have also seen suggestions of Loc-Tite on the screws. I have not tried that and not needed to.
 
#9
tbonesullivan said:
are you talking about the Schaller straplocks, or the Dunlop ones? The schallers have smaller diameter screws, so they tend to have more problems than the dunlop straplocks.

What I have done for years is use thick cyanoacrylate superglue on the inside of the hole. this stabilizes the wood and can build up the hole. If it's really bad you can use baking soda and build up layers in the hole. Got this method from the Guitarplayer Repair Guide.
Click to expand...

f1a5_1.jpg


does this make a difference? I'll try out the wood glue mixed with the toothpicks and see what that does for me
 
#10
I'm very glad this topic just came up because the other day my Schaller straplock pulled right out of my MIA Fender P, which I wasn't too happy about. How do you actually use the toothpicks to fix this problem? Do you need to use wood glue? Any suggestions how to fix this would be greatly appreciated.
 
#11
rowyco said:
I'm very glad this topic just came up because the other day my Schaller straplock pulled right out of my MIA Fender P, which I wasn't too happy about. How do you actually use the toothpicks to fix this problem? Do you need to use wood glue? Any suggestions how to fix this would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

I've done it with and without wood glue and both work fine. Basically, you break off a couple pieces of tootpick, throw them in the hole, and screw in the screw. In most cases, the friction is fine to make everything bite, without wood glue.
 
#14
Initially posted 11-16-2008:

Bluesy Soul said:
I have Schallers on all my basses and straps, and used to encounter this problem all the time. RockinRayDuke told me (on another forum) to use Loc-Tite which is available at your local hardware store. I bought the smallest tube, put a drop on each screw and the problem is COMPLETELY gone.

Thank you, Ray. Hope all is well in Texas.

Bluesy Soul :cool:
Click to expand...
 
#15
First, I break off pieces of the toothpicks to fit into the hole without extending out past the surface much. I even out the ends of the toothpicks with wire/string cutters.

Then I normally just coat the toothpicks with wood glue before putting them into the hole. Using a rag or paper towel to protect the finish, I GENTLY tap them into the hole so they're about flush with the surface of the bass. Then I let it set overnight before putting the screws back in. It'll help if you take a SMALL nail or drill bit to get a starter hole for the screw to catch.
 
#16
I use the schallers and rather than doing the glue/toothpick thing, you can drill out the schallers so the original screws fit in them and if necessary, file down/cut down the head of the screw so it goes all the way down into the schaller. I didn't feel comfortable shoving in toothpicks or glue into my brand new bass so this was the option I went with.
 
#17
rowyco said:
I'm very glad this topic just came up because the other day my Schaller straplock pulled right out of my MIA Fender P, which I wasn't too happy about. How do you actually use the toothpicks to fix this problem? Do you need to use wood glue? Any suggestions how to fix this would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
In my experience, fender and Carvin basses tend to use the same diameter screws as dunlop straplocks for their own strap buttons, and often fender over tighten them, which results in needing to build up the hole, even with the dunlops. With the schallers, you pretty much NEED to put in at least a toothpick with some glue to get them to stay in.

So, I'd definitely put in a toothpick and some glue to get them to go in. I try to avoid elmers or wood glue, as they seem to have an affinity for binding to the screw, even when really dry, and if you ever have to take the strap button off all the glue comes out with it.
 
#19
WOW! You guys are way too creative! I get a pointy toothpick, stick it in the screw hole and snap it off flush to the top of the hole. They I get another toothpick and do the same. 2 lengths of toothpick side by side.

No wood glue and no drilling wood or metal. This has worked for me for 20+ years on dozens of guitars and basses.
 

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