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Replacment truss rod nut threads?

swagbotbilly

swagbotbilly

Nov 18, 2021
538
682
probably in the garage, "fixing" something...
#1
Hi all,

I have two Squier basses I'm working on, a CIC Affinity P from 2009 and a MIK Squier II (from '93 if I remember right).

Both of them have truss rod nuts that are pretty well stripped and I'm looking to replace them. Both take a 4mm wrench. It looks like most Chinese models take a 5mm wrench, so I'm wondering if this is already a replacement nut on the Affinity.

Since I already have some good 5mm and 3/16" truss rod wrenches, I'd like to replace both nuts with some compatible ones (likely 5mm), but I don't have any idea how to make sure that what I'm ordering will fit the truss threads.

It seems the outer dimensions match most of what I'm finding online, 25mm x 8mm, but is there a reliable resource for thread-finding?

Thanks!
 
#2
If I'm not mistaken 4mm truss nut in Squier basses means dual-action TR, so you can't replace the nut easily. Even it the TR is single action, then the TR hole at the headstock either has sleeve or just too small for the nut to come out. This doesn't apply to bullet-style TR nuts.
 
#3
vaesto said:
If I'm not mistaken 4mm truss nut in Squier basses means dual-action TR, so you can't replace the nut easily. Even it the TR is single action, then the TR hole at the headstock either has sleeve or just too small for the nut to come out. This doesn't apply to bullet-style TR nuts.
Click to expand...

I got both nuts out without issue. I guess my question really boils down to finding a truss rod nut that takes a 5mm wrench and fits the threads. I haven't got a clue as to how to match the threads.
 
#4
swagbotbilly said:
I got both nuts out without issue. I guess my question really boils down to finding a truss rod nut that takes a 5mm wrench and fits the threads. I haven't got a clue as to how to match the threads.
Click to expand...
You can take the nuts to a hardware store like Ace Hardware they have racked samples to check threads (thread pitch) screw it on and there you have it.

Chances are 10-32 should be the right size for both Squiers, easy replacements will probably will have 3/16" hex wrench size.

In the case it's a metric nut (doubt it) try M5. All my Squier basses (so far) have used 10-32 thread pitch. Cost about $4 ea.
 
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#5
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#9
C Stone said:
I can't say definitively these will fit but I used these for a Squier J as well as a Squier P recently. I don't worry about the hex size I when I find correct thread pitch.
https://www.amazon.com/Fender-16-Inch-Hex-Truss-Allen/dp/B003AYLWCS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1TWEHG1LKTEYP&keywords=Fender+3/16+inch+hex+truss+rod+nut&qid=1651454381&sprefix=fender+3/16+inch+hex+truss+rod+nut,aps,388&sr=8-1

Worst case you can just return or save 'em for later...Good luck! :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Do you have one of these on-hand to measure? I'm wondering if the 9.5mm in the Q&A is accurate, might be too fat for mine.
 
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#10
swagbotbilly said:
Do you have one of these on-hand to measure? I'm wondering if the 9.5mm in the Q&A is accurate, might be too fat for mine.
Click to expand...
I'll measure the old nut hang tight, but yea good call those on Amazon may in fact be too wide for that particular Squier (apologies) I just dug out a Crafted in China Affinity J bass and it looks to be closer to 7mm. Let me go through my parts bin to get an accurate measurement.
 
#11
Ok here is a pic of my Chinese Affinity it has no plastic sleeve nor a walnut cap and it is too small to fit the nuts from Amazon if your is like this one a (2013) I don't think they will work for you.
image.png
 
#14
I'm pretty sure Asian makers do not use imperial tools and hardware. They all live in metric world so why they should use anything from the other side of the planet. Maybe earlier products followed some US measurements or used US/MEX made hardware - but definitely not the latest.
My 2012 Squier Matt Freeman had metric everything. 5mm hex, with M5 thread on the TR. It was part of the "classic vibe', so TR was single action, however there was walnut sleeve inset in the headstock so there was no way of removing the nut easily.
The cheaper Affinity line uses double-action TR, the nut is encapsulated into metal shell. This is why it uses smaller nut with 4mm hex. Also, the TR is installed from the top, and access hole on the headstock only fits the hex key, it is not used for inserting TR or its nut.
However, older models, especially those Korean made, may have different construction, and the TR is removable indeed.
 

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