Loose Strap Button

[bassplayer8953]

I've had this problem before. To fix it I drilled out the old threads, coated the hole and a dowel rod with wood glue, and tapped the rod into the hole. I think the key is finding a rod that fits really snug. I let the bass sit for a day, drilled a pilot hole and then screwed in the strap button. I haven't had a problem with it since.

Make dure to use an oak, or other hardwood dowel. 1/4" dowel, placed into a hole drilled 1 size smaller than 1/4", glued, then 1/16" pilot hole drilled down the center of the dowel. Screw will expand the dowel against the body, making it grip the body better than a bunch of toothpicks. I've used this method several times, with alder, mahogany, poplar, & other body woods, never had an issue once repaired using this method.

 

[96tbird]

Definetly plausible. The strap moving about the button when in use will loosen the screw, and it will eat that hole up on you, exactly as you describe.

 

[walterw]

+2 to the "loose screw wearing out the wood" theory.

also, the screws at the ends of a body are pretty much always in end-grain wood, which is inherently weak in that orientation.

that's why the truly correct plugging method involves making cross-grain plugs instead of end-grain dowels (a total PITA, especially when the stupid "glue + toothpicks" method is just as strong).

 

[walterw]

I usually use a toothpick and some Gorilla Glue. It works very well. You have to be careful though because Gorilla Glue expands as it dries.

that foamy poly glue ruins finish, is a disaster to work on later, and is not as strong as properly-done wood glue.

sorry, gorilla glue has no place in guitar repair.

 

[96tbird]

Word.

 

[fourfinger]

I have used toothpicks too, but I don't like them nearly as well as wooden matchsticks, which is what my dad always used in his furniture repair shop.

 

[JLS]

sorry, gorilla glue has no place in guitar repair.

That's putting it mildly...

 

[Jazz Ad]

I prefer to use matches rather than toothpicks. The wood is softer and gets crushed in the threads, providing a good grip.