Problem with Dunlop Straplocks

[Overflow]

Hi.

I've got a Fender 50s RI P. The dunlop Straplocks I bought for it have screws that are too big for the holes in the bass. I don't really want to drill, so I'm wondering if I can use the existing screws (that came with the bass) with the straplocks? These screws are less wide than the Dunlop screws, but of eequal length. Will this cause any undue strain on the bass?

Should I do this or get it drilled?

 

[darthplagis]

the screws should be bigger and fatter, thats how they work if they were the same size as the standard screws there is more chance that the strap button will come loose.

just remember to wax the screw before screwing it in, it really does help

 

[Overflow]

I understand that. But would you say there's enough difference, or enough risk of the bass getting damaged to warrant me getting it drilled?

 

[darthplagis]

well i have popped dunlop straplocks on both of my fenders (jag and paisley P), 2 yamahas, my squire tele and an epi T bird with the only complication being i didnt wax a screw one time and had to unscrew and wax it, it will take a little bit of elbow grease to go in but thats not a problem.

at the end of the day, its a piece of wood, screws are designed to be driven ito it and hold, even a pilot hole would be tiny compared to the hole that a stock strap button would use

 

[smogg]

Do NOT try to re drill the existing holes. Just use the new screws that came with the strap locks.

 

[Bryan Swift]

Heres a good one, I had a skinny screw snap off inside the horn of my warwick rockbass...

I had to bore it out and make a new hole directly below the chunk of screw that was stuck inside... Turned out okay though, still bugs me just knowing theres a piece in there that I will never be able to remove...

I use dimarzio straps by the way so you cant see how big the hole is... Point being dont be afraid of fatter screws, they're much stronger and less likely to do what the skinny one did to me

 

[Jay Corwin]

Schaller.......

 

[KJung]

I understand that. But would you say there's enough difference, or enough risk of the bass getting damaged to warrant me getting it drilled?

Should be no problem. Just carefully screw them in. I've done it a zillion times. The only thing you have to be a bit careful of is to not 'strip' the screw head with your screw driver (it takes a lot of turns to get that long screw in the body). Just make sure you use a relatively new phillips of the exact size recommended, and you will be fine. They are designed to just to right in!

 

[coolrunner989]

They make these handy things called power tools that make screwing in a larger screw in very very easy

 

[KJung]

They make these handy things called power tools that make screwing in a larger screw in very very easy

I'd be a little nervous using a drill or electric screwdriver myself for doing this. Things can go very quickly wrong if you don't know what you are doing (which I don't!).