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Replacement Plastic Washers for Tuning Pegs

GKon

GKon

Supporting Member, Boom-Chicka-Boom
Supporting Member
Feb 17, 2013
4,714
3,821
Los Lunas, NM
#1
Howdy,

Over the years I've broken, from time to time, the plastic washers located on the tuning pegs, between the metal washer and the head/key. This has happened on various basses.

I first have to ask why, all of a sudden, do they break? Is it just a question of age and wear?

My next question is, does anyone know where to buy replacements? I have not ever found them online or at music stores. I usually make my own replacements.

Thanks,

Kon
 

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#3
For your technical info, those washers do have a purpose. They are crushable friction washers, and they provide a light friction drag on the tuners' key shaft. The friction drag prevents the tuner from slipping out of tune while playing, from the vibration of the bass. The friction drag is adjustable by tightening the little screw on the end of the key.

Many owners don't realize that, and tighten that screw down real tight, thinking that it will keep the knob from falling off. But if you overtighten the screw, it will crush the friction washer, causing it to split and fall off.

Tighten that screw just enough that there's enough friction drag, that you can't twirl the key around with one finger.
 
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#4
Thanks for the info about their use and proper install, Bruce Johnson.

I always figured that they were friction washers. However, I assumed NOT tightening down the knob all the way would eventually lead to the knob falling off. Now I know I'm wrong. I'll go back and adjust them all so that I get the right amount of drag without over-tightening.

That sure explains the first q.

Now, for the second. Who the heck sells replacements :)
 
#11
Thanks. So the first link posted would suit you better.

I have to say, since moving to Greece, I now completely appreciate the ease of finding and buying things in the U.S.
 
#12
GKon said:
Thanks. So the first link posted would suit you better.

I have to say, since moving to Greece, I now completely appreciate the ease of finding and buying things in the U.S.
Click to expand...

Yes - I get what you are saying. Here's the Canadian story.

First, most of the sources are in the USA, very few in Canada. No problem, right? After all we are close neighbours and the internet lets us find the stuff we want easily.

Well, first off, Canada has a free-trade agreement with USA. So that should mitigate any problems with import duties, right? Wrong. Not only do I pay import duties on all of the parts I get from the States even though there is no supplier in Canada, I have to pay brokerage fees. Shipping is getting very expensive. And then there's the dollar exchange rate. And the Canadian sales tax. The result was that I paid two times the seller's asking price for a used preamp that came from a mile south of the border.

Well at least I could get it. Must be even more of a challenge in other locales.
 
#13
Turnaround said:
Yes - I get what you are saying. Here's the Canadian story.

...The result was that I paid two times the seller's asking price for a used preamp that came from a mile south of the border.

Well at least I could get it. Must be even more of a challenge in other locales.
Click to expand...

Wow, Turnaround, I had no idea! I always assumed that there would be no import duties paid from the US to Canada and visa versa.

Out of curiosity, let's say you drove to the US, bought something, then had it in your vehicle on the way back to Canada. While going over the border would you have to pay some sort of customs tax?

I always thought, with the FTA, that didn't happen. I feel your pain!!!
 
#14
GKon said:
Wow, Turnaround, I had no idea! I always assumed that there would be no import duties paid from the US to Canada and visa versa.

Out of curiosity, let's say you drove to the US, bought something, then had it in your vehicle on the way back to Canada. While going over the border would you have to pay some sort of customs tax?

I always thought, with the FTA, that didn't happen. I feel your pain!!!
Click to expand...

I frankly don't understand it. NAFTA is after all the North American Free Trade Agreement. Apparently it's a one way street. I have been hit every time a had an item shipped to Canada from USA. Never tried to cross the border with something in my car, but from those I know who have, they had to pay duty. Not brokerage fees though. I think Canada should declare war on the US. Remember the Boston Tea Party? Turnaround is fair play (pun intended).
 
#16
Turnaround said:
I frankly don't understand it. NAFTA is after all the North American Free Trade Agreement. Apparently it's a one way street. I have been hit every time a had an item shipped to Canada from USA. Never tried to cross the border with something in my car, but from those I know who have, they had to pay duty. Not brokerage fees though. I think Canada should declare war on the US. Remember the Boston Tea Party? Turnaround is fair play (pun intended).
Click to expand...

Yup,you can`t win north of the 49th when it comes to shipping and most sellers overcharge on shipping because they know they`ve got you by the bag. :spit:
 
#17
Turnaround said:
I frankly don't understand it. NAFTA is after all the North American Free Trade Agreement. Apparently it's a one way street. I have been hit every time a had an item shipped to Canada from USA. Never tried to cross the border with something in my car, but from those I know who have, they had to pay duty. Not brokerage fees though. I think Canada should declare war on the US. Remember the Boston Tea Party? Turnaround is fair play (pun intended).
Click to expand...

For bringing items from the States into Canada, NAFTA only applies to items manufactured in the U.S. If the parts come from China, or Japan, or some other place outside of the scope of NAFTA, we pay taxes and duty. Even on used items (that one really hurts). I think it sucks, too. :crying:

-Alex
 
#19
On the flip side, I've just ordered some items from a company called Thomann, located in Germany.
They have a flat 20 Euro shipping fee (Any orders over 299 Euro, shipping is free).
So, I want to order a potentiometer, stereo output jack and tuning peg washer, total of about 14 Euro, + 20 Euro shipping. Ouch.
 
#20
To anyone having trouble finding these with fair shipping fees, I suggest going to your local hardware store to enjoy their assortment of nylon washers.

Turnaround said:
I think Canada should declare war on the US. Remember the Boston Tea Party? Turnaround is fair play (pun intended).
Click to expand...

Surrender pronto, or we'll level Toronto!!!

attachment.jpg
 

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