Hex Key size!!!!

[trjazzluva05]

Just got this bass in a trade. Can’t adjust the truss rod with NONE of my hex keys! if anyone has a PAVEL bass or knows/is the first owner of this bass, I need the size of hex key that fits it.

 

[Gopherbassist]

Are you using standard or metric?

 

[Geri O]

Just got this bass in a trade. Can’t adjust the truss rod with NONE of my hex keys! if anyone has a PAVEL bass or knows/is the first owner of this bass, I need the size of hex key that fits it.
View attachment 7238059

A set of metric and standard Allen keys is really, really cheap at the usual cheap places like Harbor Freight.

I believe you'd get your answer a lot sooner if you just bought a set, like pretty much now and find the key that fits.

 

[GIBrat51]

Ummm.... don't come across them often, but there are 4.5mm hex bolts out there. Don't ask me why, but... I've dealt with them, once or twice. Can't remember on what, though; been a long time ago, now...

 

[trjazzluva05]

Are you using standard or metric?

I tried both! They either don’t fit at all, or are too small!

A set of metric and standard Allen keys is really, really cheap at the usual cheap places like Harbor Freight.

I believe you'd get your answer a lot sooner if you just bought a set, like pretty much now and find the key that fits.

I bought a set from Walmart, and NONE of them fit. I also had random Allen Keys laying around that fit all my other basses, but this one!

 

[Sharko]

Hex key siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiize!!!!!!!!!

 

[trjazzluva05]

A set of metric and standard Allen keys is really, really cheap at the usual cheap places like Harbor Freight.

I believe you'd get your answer a lot sooner if you just bought a set, like pretty much now and find the key that fits.

Ummm.... don't come across them often, but there are 4.5mm hex bolts out there. Don't ask me why, but... I've dealt with them, once or twice. Can't remember on what, though; been a long time ago, now...

I was thinking that. I think the size 4 is slightly too small, so I’m thinking the 4.5MM may do the trick.

 

[ModuMan]

How is the condition of the slot? Just wondering if it is possibly stripped (hope not!)

4.5mm is definitely a thing and I have one in my 30-key (metric and english) set. Don't know what you found at Walmart but if it's a smaller set it might be worth investing in a more comprehensive set.

You might also consider a set of T-handle ball end wrenches, such as from Bondhus. Just like the kind that come with Fenders. Really nice to use.

 

[mcnach]

Are you using standard or metric?

Is that the same as imperial or standard?

 

[lowendblues]

Why..this..isnt...standardized..just....kills...me.

 

[ardgedee]

I tried both! They either don’t fit at all, or are too small!

I bought a set from Walmart, and NONE of them fit. I also had random Allen Keys laying around that fit all my other basses, but this one!

A comprehensive set each of Metric and American from a decent hardware store is gonna do you good. The Walmart packs are more like a greatest-hit collection -- you'll be OK 98% of the time but you've just run up into that other 2%.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

Take the neck off so you can get the best look and angle for adjusting. It might just be stripped, and you are one in a long line of people perplexed by the size.

 

[Makten]

Cheapo hex keys is a great recipe for stripped bolt heads. Don't go there.

Can you see the bolt? If so, check if it's torx for some unknown reason.

Edit: And if it's just a worn out hex, you can often tap in a slightly too large torx bit and undo it.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Cheapo hex keys is a great recipe for stripped bolt heads. Don't go there.

EXACTLY THIS !!!

Get a USA brand made of hardened black steel from a renowned brand such as Elklind or Bondhus.

A little extra cost that will save the life of your bass/basses.

 

[Aloe]

looks like an eu builder?

4mm is the most common size, but 4.5mm and 5mm also happen. yes, they're all incompatible, if that's a 4.5 neither 4 or 5 will fit.

 

[TonyTonewood]

Why..this..isnt...standardized..just....kills...me.

The nice thing about standards is you have so many to choose from. I bought a $65 flea market Pearl River bass last week and was lucky enough to find ONE tiny Allen head hex that fit out of trying about a dozen ones that I've collected through the years. Probably 4.5mm. I was lucky to have one that fit. It is infuriating but there it is.

 

[trjazzluva05]

The nice thing about standards is you have so many to choose from. I bought a $65 flea market Pearl River bass last week and was lucky enough to find ONE tiny Allen head hex that fit out of trying about a dozen ones that I've collected through the years. Probably 4.5mm. I was lucky to have one that fit. It is infuriating but there it is.

 

[trjazzluva05]

Hey everyone! I found the hex key size…it was 9/64!!!! Bought a $20 metric/standard pack at Home Depot hoping ONE would work and it did. The basic Allen key set I purchased at Walmart for $4 doesn't have that size unfortunately.

 

[turf3]

Do not buy Allen wrenches at Walmart for $4, not if you expect to actually be able to use them.

Cheap tools are almost never worth the price. Quality ones almost always are.

 

[Iridescentone]

I tried both! They either don’t fit at all, or are too small!

I bought a set from Walmart, and NONE of them fit. I also had random Allen Keys laying around that fit all my other basses, but this one!

Yeah Walmart, Harbor Freight, etc. cheapo keys are sketchy. But you don't have to spend a lot on the premier brands to get accurate, precision made allens sets. IME, Home Depot's house brand "Husky" allen keys have been surprisingly accurate, and not expensive. Good luck.

Edit: Just noticed you've already found the Home Depot ones.