Replacement Screws for Strap Locks

[Muaguana]

I have Marvel Strap locks in both of my main basses. Problem is, I stripped the screws completely when I secured them in place. One of the buttons on my Squier came loose, so I had to take it out, and now I doubt I'll ever be able to get that screw back in there.

I've combed Ace Hardware and Home Depot for suitable replacement screws, but haven't found any that are the right dimensions with the correct head type. For some reason, guitar screws seem to have a weird proprietary screw head design not found anywhere else in the world. So aside from ordering from Allparts (don't really have the time to wait for it to be shipped) are there any other outlets I could try to find proper screws?

 

[Zooberwerx]

You actually stripped the screw threads? I've seen people mangle the heads before. Do us a favor and post a pic of the screws (include length)...I may have some spares.

FWIW, a #6 panhead screw may work in some cases but you'll have to grind the shoulder down on the screw head.

Riis

 

[mech]

If a strap button came loose, it sounds like the hole in the body is stripped. Take some toothpicks and water based wood glue (Elmer's). Cut toothpicks in half. Coat toothpicks in wood glue and stuff the large end in the hole. Trim them off. Wipe off excess glue. Reattach strap button till it is seated. Do not over tighten. Let it sit for a few hours and check tightness. The wood glue will not stick to the screw so it can be removed.

If the screw head is stripped, an easy way to make screw heads smaller is to securely chuck the screw in a drill and rub the head against a decent file. Drill needs to be turning, of course. Takes a little time but gives better results than hand filing. If you have no experience with files or drills, find someone who does.

Commonsense safety needs to be used.

mech

 

[pltnny]

Toothpicks do work very well. I have never used glue, however; not sure it is really necessary.

 

[Marley's Ghost]

Happens all the time. Toothpick with a drop of Elmer's wood glue will do the trick.