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re: Warwick strap lock screw backing out of bass during performance

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by Amajew, Jun 9, 2019.

  1. Jun 9, 2019 #1
    Amajew

    Amajew

    Jan 11, 2016
    Anyone have experience with a strap lock screw that keeps backing out of the bass body? I first noticed it last week. I installed my strap into the strap locks for rehearsal and noticed it didn't feel right. A closer look showed the screw was backing out of the upper horn of my bass. There is a rubber washer between the strap lock and bass body.

    After last nights 40 minute set I took my strap off the bass and noticed the screw backed out. This was after snugging down the strap lock with a Philips head screwdriver just before the gig. I don't want to torque down on the screw too much as I do not want to strip the screw threads in the bass or use any glue to secure the strap lock.

    Suggestions to a solution are welcome!
     
  2. Jun 9, 2019 #2
    Fred Pucci

    Fred Pucci

    May 2, 2019
    Try using a piece of a toothpick in the hole to give the screw a little more wood to hold onto. Had a similar issue and this worked for me.
     
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  3. Jun 9, 2019 #3
    Mike N

    Mike N Missing the old TB Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jan 28, 2001
    Spencerport, New York
    +1. I carry toothpicks and a phillips head screwdriver in my gig bag for this reason.
     
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  4. Jun 9, 2019 #4
    StringslamDan

    StringslamDan

    Nov 18, 2012
    ∆+1 Tooth picks work wonders! I learned the hard way once during practice. My lower strap button backed out and my bass crashed to the ground, snapping the cable off, breaking the jack, and chipping the paint next to the jack Not a fun time..
     
    Amajew likes this.
  5. Jun 10, 2019 #5
    rojo412

    rojo412 Sit down, Danny... Supporting Member

    Feb 26, 2000
    Cleveland, OH.
    Something that people need to do as well: LUBRICATE STRAP LOCKS.

    If you have any kind of strap lock setup, you should apply a drop of something like teflon (TriFlow) or graphite lube to the mechanism and it will reduce the friction and allow everything to move as it should for years.
    If you hear it squeak or chirp, just a drop of this oil will make it all good for a long time.
    Don't use WD40, that is not a lubricant. It becomes sticky and will cause more problems.

    If the screw is stripping the wood, do the toothpick thing and make sure it's tight in the body. Then lubricate the lock mechanism and the strap button area where it makes contact, pop it on and off a few times, then dab off excess oil.
    Trust me, this has worked for me for well over 20 years of straplocking.
     
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  6. Jun 10, 2019 #6
    Amajew

    Amajew

    Jan 11, 2016
    Thanks for this tip. I noticed the strap lock binding a bit and some black residue on both pieces. I wiped them clean and felt less friction. Apparently that wasn't enough.

    Thank you for the input everyone!
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2019
    rojo412 and DrewinHouston like this.
  7. Jun 11, 2019 #7
    Zooberwerx

    Zooberwerx Gold Supporting Member

    Dec 21, 2002
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Slather the toothpicks in wood glue then insert in the screw hole...snip off the excess and wipe off any glue overflow. Re-introduce the button / screw while the glue is still wet. Sidenote: if you've managed to mangle the PH screw head, replace.

    Not sure about the rubber spacing washer. I use the black felt spacers to prevent marring the surface.

    Riis
     
    Lownote38 likes this.