Size does Matter!

[Briton]

Well I own around seven Basses and find it a pain to look up what size allen/hex keys are needed for when I set up and adjust my Bass.
Is there any document available that lists Basses and the size of tools needed for a set up. The Basses I use are:
Fender Precision.
Fender Jazz.
Musicman Stingray.
Musicman Bongo.
G&L L-2000.

I am aware that the two Fender and EB models will probably be the same.

 

[sissy kathy]

The Fenders use a 3/16" hex for both. Fender is very good at not sharing information, so you are left mining the WWW to get that info

 

[Pilgrim]

Why not just buy a good set of wrenches in SAE and another in Metric? They come in handy for all kinds of things. Buying a bunch of individual wrenches will cost you as much as buying sets.

 

[Briton]

Why not just buy a good set of wrenches in SAE and another in Metric? They come in handy for all kinds of things. Buying a bunch of individual wrenches will cost you as much as buying sets.

I have plenty of wrenches, it is just going to right one and avoiding rounding off the head of the screw. I guess I could find out the exact sizes needed then place them into a folder on my PC. I just thought that somebody might already have the information here on TB.......It aint a big problem and thanks for the two replies to my query.

 

[Pilgrim]

Hey, not a bad idea to have a reference. But of course, you'll try the wrench for fit anyway before you actually use it.

I adjust a neck perhaps once every 2-3 years (and I mean ONE every 2-3 years), so I don't have a problem taking the time required to find the right wrench. My experience with basses may be fortunate, but mine almost never need adjustment after being set up right once.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Harbor Freight (and I imagine almost any decent hardware store) has multi tools, like Swiss army knives, with all different sizes of hex wrenches, one for metric and one sae.

 

[Briton]

Hey, not a bad idea to have a reference. But of course, you'll try the wrench for fit anyway before you actually use it.

I adjust a neck perhaps once every 2-3 years (and I mean ONE every 2-3 years), so I don't have a problem taking the time required to find the right wrench.

It is those saddle screws that need a small allen key size, it's very easy to use the wrong size which might not neccesarily damage the grub screw but damages the allen key itself.

 

[sissy kathy]

I have plenty of wrenches, it is just going to right one and avoiding rounding off the head of the screw. I guess I could find out the exact sizes needed then place them into a folder on my PC. I just thought that somebody might already have the information here on TB.......It aint a big problem and thanks for the two replies to my query.

Start with larger sizes and work you way down to a fit. After you find what you think is the right size in SAE then do the same thing for metric THEN decide which one fits better. Write that information down so you have it next time. Keep that information with the wrenches. If you are damaging the hex keys, you need better keys.

 

[Pilgrim]

Really? If the screw can damage the tool, a wrench made with better steel would be desirable.

 

[Briton]

Start with larger sizes and work you way down to a fit. After you find what you think is the right size in SAE then do the same thing for metric THEN decide which one fits better. Write that information down so you have it next time. Keep that information with the wrenches. If you are damaging the hex keys, you need better keys.

That is exactly what I am going to do, find out all the information for saddle screws, intonation screws and truss rod screws and create a folder on my desktop to put them in........Simples!

 

[lz4005]

I set up instruments all the time. It takes seconds to figure out the correct tools for each.

If you absolutely need a reference, take an afternoon, figure out the sizes, write them on a piece of tape and put it on the back of the headstock for each instrument. Or on a piece of paper and put it in the case that corresponds with each.

Or do what everyone else does and learn how to match tools to screws without damaging anything.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

I actually place the allen/hex keys in a plastic bag, write the bass model this will work with on the bag and put the bag in the either case or gig bag the bass is mostly being used to transport with. This way, if something happens or adjustments needs to be done during a rehearsal or after a set, the tools are easy to find.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Even better, get enough wrenches so you have the right ones in each case with the basses.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Sell all those & get some Ibanez basses.
They all use 4mm, which is interchangeable with 5/32".

 

[FrenchBassQC]

Even better, get enough wrenches so you have the right ones in each case with the basses.

I see why you're saying this, I have either a case and/or a gig bag for each of my basses, that's why I do it this way.

 

[zenpeace69]

I've found that it's worth in investing in individual T wrenches for different trusses I have.The elongated wrench and T handle makes for perfect adjustments without harming the hardware of your guitar.

Fender actually makes a dedicated T wrench for their truss rods:

 

[toprekoms]

You could make your own list of what fits where. Shouldn't take too long.

 

[Gluvhand]

You can also color code the wrenches with colored electrical tape or a dab of paint.

 

[JRA]

Why not just buy a good set of wrenches in SAE and another in Metric? They come in handy for all kinds of things. Buying a bunch of individual wrenches will cost you as much as buying sets.

Harbor Freight (and I imagine almost any decent hardware store) has multi tools, like Swiss army knives, with all different sizes of hex wrenches, one for metric and one sae.

 

[Pilgrim]

This thread has me wondering how often others adjust necks. I almost never need to do that. With a dozen basses, I probably don't need to adjust a neck more than one a year. Most of my basses go couple of years or more between adjustments, and some don't get a tweak every decade.