Issue with Strap Lock Screws

[AhlyxMU]

So I recently bought some Schaller S-Locks for my bass and noticed that the screws for them were quite thick. Paying no attention to this at all, I took out the original screws on my bass and put in the Schaller S-Locks with no problem. It wasn't until after I installed the S-Locks that I did some research online and found that forcing in thicker screws can cause the finish to crack and chip. I would like to mention that when installing the new S-Locks, the finish of my bass did not chip or crack, but now I'm scared that it will over time. What should I do? Should I go to a luthier and have them check the problem out? Do I need to worry at all?

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

I would just leave it alone, if it is good and snug. If you DO unscrew them, put some soap or candle wax on the screws. It should be fine though. If they screwed in without TOO much grunt force, then you shouldn't worry. I would be worried if they screwed in too easily, with play.

 

[SteC]

If they're in already and nothing bad happened then you're good

 

[AhlyxMU]

Yeah, they're pretty snug. Not loose or anything. The only thing is that the screw hole is now wider because I forced the S-Locks in, so now I can't screw the original strap buttons back on without them feeling wobbly. The main thing I'm concerned about, though, is that problems may occur in the future because I forced in thicker screws. Like maybe the finish or wood will crack once I place the strap on and wear it.

 

[AhlyxMU]

Ah ok! That's good to know. I just don't want any problems to occur later on because of my stupidity lmao.

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

If you screw the original buttons back on, try using the bigger screws and it should be ok. You already widened the holes so, you are stuck with the bigger screws. If the bigger screw heads don't clear or sit flush on the buttons, then you will have to buy some with heads that sit flush.

 

[Aloe]

if they didn't crack upon installing and tightening, you're good. sometimes it happens, in my personal experience that was one instrument out of six, a chip of finish fell off upon tightening the button.

if you want to be safer with your future strap lock installation, carefully drilling a (slightly smaller than the screw) hole before screwing is the safe way.