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"Rounded-out" Truss Rod Hex Nut...Non-removable!

#21
dregsfan said:
What if you took a (very) slightly oversized hex key and a hand file, (and alot of patience) and filed the key down to size. Get yourself some of those magnifing reading glasses, I use those at my work bench all the time. Their great. And you could still use the freezer for beer.
Click to expand...

Tried it but to no avail. I taper-ground a 1/8 hex key but, alas, there's just not enough to grab.

The torx bit sounds promising as we're dealing with more teeth. I can clean up the interior with a rifler file and match up a torx bit. The freezer trick may work. IIRC, don't the torx bits have a bit of taper already? I'd like to avoid driving, forcing, or pounding the bit into place for fear of damaging the threads beyond (I believe the blocks are brass). If it works, I'll probably just leave it in place and let it serve as an extension. Any future adjustments would require an open-end wrench. May look like sh** on a white horse but we're talking functionality here.

Riis
 
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#23
202dy said:
What Dremel doesn't sell, your dentist is probably throwing out. Talk to them and tell them what you're doing. They will probably be fascinated and give you some small burrs gratis.
Click to expand...

I might try one better...

My drummer and I both have friends who are dentists. My endodontist (root canals!), Jeff Bailey, is a drummer and surfer dude....actually has a surfboard hung in his operatory....plays Alice Cooper and the like on satellite radio while working. Anywho, maybe I can talk him into actually doing the work for me some evening after normal office hours.

Riis
 
#24
dregsfan said:
I'm curious, after reading your profile, what make is the bass?
Click to expand...

Sure, it is the Cliff Bordwell. Cliff has offered to send a new tool he just snagged. Not sure how it works but its supposedly intended for this purpose. I can't possibly say enough nice things about Cliff. His bass necks are incredibly stiff / stable but I've never care for the 3 mm double-expanding truss rod on any instrument.

As it stands, I'm going to follow the Physician's creed...."do no harm". I'll start with those methods which are least likely to compromise nut integrity (loss of metal, thread damage, etc.) and work up from there.

Doug...no, you can't have it for $50. I know we're in a recession but jeez!

Riis
 
#27
Zooberwerx said:
I might try one better...

My drummer and I both have friends who are dentists. My endodontist (root canals!), Jeff Bailey, is a drummer and surfer dude....actually has a surfboard hung in his operatory....plays Alice Cooper and the like on satellite radio while working. Anywho, maybe I can talk him into actually doing the work for me some evening after normal office hours.

Riis
Click to expand...

Then life is good.

It would be interesting to hear of the new tool that Cliff Bordwell is sending. Please let us know.
 
#28
202dy said:
Then life is good.

It would be interesting to hear of the new tool that Cliff Bordwell is sending. Please let us know.
Click to expand...

How can we possibly complain? Most of play and some of us actually get paid. Is this a great country or what?

I'll post a description of the aforementioned tool. Was described in some minor detail but I'm sure it will make more sense when seen firsthand. Then again, could be just a stick of dynamite and book of matches.

Riis
 
#29
Zooberwerx said:
How can we possibly complain? Most of play and some of us actually get paid. Is this a great country or what?

I'll post a description of the aforementioned tool. Was described in some minor detail but I'm sure it will make more sense when seen firsthand. Then again, could be just a stick of dynamite and book of matches.

Riis
Click to expand...

The tool was actually an updated version of the 3 mm hex key. The 6-sided profile is slightly modified to provide better grab along the walls as well as the corners. Did it work? Nope. So we move on to Plan B....

Using my Dremel mini-drum sander, I enlarged the recess opening by 1-2 mm to create an expanded "kill zone"....more elbow room for tools. Wasn't too difficult as the walnut cap actually formed an "overhang" which yielded easily. I haven't re-rounded the edges yet....I'll ice that cupcake when completed.

Using the smallest burr I could find, I slotted the hex nut working from the inside out. Time-consuming, yes, but the finished job looks pretty good. Any rough edges may have to remain as its even tougher to get a hunk of emery cloth into the confined space.

I used the widest flathead screwdriver I could find and, with a prayer and a grunt, was able to loosen (CCW) the assembly by a good 1/2 turn. I won't do that again until I make one more modification. As is, the screwdriver only makes contact on the outer edges with a 3 mm gaping hole in the middle. If it slips, we may have a problem. This is where the JB Weld comes in (thanks to whomever suggested this).

Now the initial slots have been cut, I'm going to backfill the stripped hole with the mixture, allow to partially set for 1-2 hours, imprint the surface with a FH screwdriver, and grind a slot to align with the earlier work. I can't vouch for the strength but if it provides some degree of purchase / support, I'll feel more comfortable.

More to come as the project develops. Thanks one and all!

Riis
 

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