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Double Bass Loose Tip

jlmorgan84

jlmorgan84

Feb 16, 2014
231
273
Columbia, SC
#1
Hello,

The screw on rubber tip on my basses' end pin has started an annoying habit of coming loose while I'm playing it. This causes the metal washer that's supposed to hold it on snug to rattle like crazy until you reach down and snug it back up.

Any tricks for getting the thing to stay put? It seems like the threads are just a little too loose. I thought about maybe taking some silicon plumbers tape and wrapping it around the threads to beef them up a little? Or maybe going to the hardware store and trying a tension lock washer between the tip and the collar? What do you all think?

-Jim
 
#2
jlmorgan84 said:
Hello,

The screw on rubber tip on my basses' end pin has started an annoying habit of coming loose while I'm playing it. This causes the metal washer that's supposed to hold it on snug to rattle like crazy until you reach down and snug it back up.

Any tricks for getting the thing to stay put? It seems like the threads are just a little too loose. I thought about maybe taking some silicon plumbers tape and wrapping it around the threads to beef them up a little? Or maybe going to the hardware store and trying a tension lock washer between the tip and the collar? What do you all think?

-Jim
Click to expand...

Teflon tape's a good idea.
 
#8
iona bass said:
This...?
http://www.loctiteproducts.com

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Threadlockers: Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242
Featured Product
Loctite® Threadlocker Blue 242®

Designed for the locking and sealing of threaded fasteners which require normal disassembly with standard hand tools.

Note: the "Blue 242" grade is designed to be disassembled - the "Red 271" grade requires heat/"torch" and hand tools to undo. Don't use the "271", unless you want it permanently attached!

It sounds like the threads are "sloppy", so I would recommend a very light application,( at first), that you can undo by hand. After undoing, the sealer will remain on the threads after disassembly, and hopefully add enough friction to prevent unwanted loosening while playing.
Reapply if there is not enough sealant remaining on the threads to counter the "slop".

If you use the Teflon Tape, use more than the recommended 3-5 turns, as the tape is very thin - it will compresses and conform to the threads. Again, you may need to reapply until the "slop" is gone.

Thanks.
 
#9
If it's loose that means either the threads on the bolt have worn or the threads on the collar have worn. In my limited experience I've noticed more of the wear on the bolt part. So replacing the bolt altogether might solve your problem. And it would be a cleaner solution than titebond or plumbers tape. It's worth a try.
 
#10
Thanks folks, I'm going to give titebond/plumbers tape a try, and if that doesn't work satisfactorily I might try replacing the the bolt, will try the cheaper solution first though. I don't really have a need to take off the rubber tip and use the spike very much, so would just be happy for it to stay silent.
 
#11
360guy said:
If it's loose that means either the threads on the bolt have worn or the threads on the collar have worn. In my limited experience I've noticed more of the wear on the bolt part. So replacing the bolt altogether might solve your problem. And it would be a cleaner solution than titebond or plumbers tape. It's worth a try.
Click to expand...

Hi 360,

I think the OP is describing this :

The screw on rubber tip on my basses' end pin has started an annoying habit of coming loose while I'm playing it...",
...not the endpin collar bolt that is used to secure and hold endpin shaft.
yes? maybe?
Thanks.
 
#15
robobass said:
All of this is the result of poor design and narrow outlook. Why not have a friction fit delrin plug which sticks tightly onto to your endpin and a rubber crutch tip which presses on to that? Threads are not optimal for this application. I've been saying this for years...
Click to expand...


My endpin tip screws on using a tapered pipe thread. It never vibrates loose and has lasted over 30 years.
 

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