Hipshot Ultralights - tension adjustable?

[Arvin]

I've got a set of Hipshot Ultralights, HB6C's I believe. One of them is very tight to turn, one of them is very loose and sloppy to turn. The other two are just about right.

Is there a way to adjust the tension on these? I've tried tightening down the post, with the phillips screw on the back of the tuner, but that did nothing. There's a very small hex head on the end opposite the key, but I'm not certain it will turn -- and if it does, I don't want to unless I know that's the right thing to do.

Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks!

 

[walterw]

yep, that's what the little hex head is for.

 

[iiipopes]

They ship really tight. I had to switch a couple around to do the 2+2 instead of 4-in-line, and the little set screw can be very tight. Yes, that is the adjustment for the tuner tightness. If you don't have the hex key, just take your bass to the nearest hardware store (not a big-box "home improvement store" - but a real neighborhood hardware store in the traditional sense) and get a single hex key.

 

[Zooberwerx]

...and a little bit goes a long way when either tightening or loosening the assembly. The cap screw (tensioner) will be somewhat resistant to adjustment as they slather on a bit of thread sealant at the factory. Do use the correct hex key as they can be rounded-out if not careful. If unsure, Hipshot will mail you a couple.

Riis

 

[Arvin]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I tried with a hex key I had in the toolbox, and it was just a little too worn to do it. I'll go get a brand new one and proceed carefully.

 

[mongo2]

I loosen the little hex head screw so it moves freely then tighten it in small increments checking the tension as I go.

 

[walterw]

what @Zooberwerx said; that hex hole is IMO too small for the job, you have to be really careful and use a sharp new wrench or you'll strip it out trying to tighten or loosen.

 

[Zooberwerx]

what @Zooberwerx said; that hex hole is IMO too small for the job, you have to be really careful and use a sharp new wrench or you'll strip it out trying to tighten or loosen.

I've repaired more than a handful where the cap screw was botched. You have to slot with a Dremel cut-off wheel and remove with a FH screwdriver. I keep a supply of replacements...complete with nylon & steel washers...on hand just in case. IIRC, the lic'd import Ultralites use a slightly larger hex key.

You can usually leave the tuner on the headstock and strings tuned to pitch when making subtle tension adjustments. On some smaller, cramped headstocks, they mount the *&#@ things back-to-back which necessitates removal.

Riis

 

[walterw]

just remember folks, tightening tensioners on keys until the key is hard to turn will not help with tuning stability, it'll just wear out the gears faster.

you want neither loose nor stiff, but "smooth" turning keys.

 

[Scot]

For those needing the info, it takes a 1/16" allen wrench to make the tension adjustment.

 

[oysteivi]

Sometimes all you need is a bit more lube. I bought some vaseline to use where indicated on my hipshot D-tuners, and I found that the tuners turn more smoothly if I put some on the worm gears, too.