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to strap lock or not to strap lock...

Do you use strap locks?

  • Yes, I use 'em

    Votes: 230 82.7%

  • No strap locks for me!

    Votes: 34 12.2%

  • Who cares - I want pizza ;-)

    Votes: 14 5.0%
  • Total voters
    278
pcake

pcake

Sep 20, 2011
10,169
31,501
Los Angeleez
#1
i've never used strap locks - i know it seems silly, but i don't like the idea of drilling the holes bigger. on the other hand, i can see where strap locks could be a very good idea. my husband adds strap locks to all his electric guitars, and i'm thinking it would make my basses more secure if i installed 'em.

thoughts? who here uses strap locks and who doesn't?
 
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Reactions: joenoone
#2
Well, to address the first concern, most strap lock brands shouldn't require re-drilling holes that accommodated the stock strap buttons. Moreover, if the screws are slightly larger in diameter, they should have a bit more "bite" in the holes. It may require, what we used to call in the military, "putting a little ass into them", or extra effort to get the job done. Other posts intimated that the existing holes needed filling, such as with glue or toothpicks, so the strap lock screws would seat securely. I just installed Schaller Strap-Loks on my Precision, granted, with slightly longer screws than stock. I absolutely coated the screw threads with carpenters' glue before installing. I am using those more or less to get reacquainted with the idea of using them, but no drilling had been necessary.
 
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Reactions: DocGeorge
#3
Yes. These have never failed me.

360-Schaller-Straplocks-Black__61811_zoom.jpg
 
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Reactions: Garret Graves, Watchootognbout, Flad and 5 others
#6
I use them on my main instruments, totally recommend it. Obvious safety reasons aside, they make putting on, and taking off the strap a bit easier. Also, I don't like when the strap holes get worn out.

If you don't like enlarging the screw hole, you can always use a washer, or one of those cheap rubber strap-locks, their name escapes me. Also, analog kid beat me to it, but not all brands have bigger screws. I'm not sure if my memory is correct, but my dunlop's required enlarging while my schallers did not.
 
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Reactions: Garret Graves
#7
If you've ever had the moment of terror when your strap slips, then you know it's worth it. I've been lucky enough to have fast enough hands to never have bounced an instrument off the floor. I don't think the value of an instrument goes down when you put these on as long as it's done well
 
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Reactions: Watchootognbout
#8
I've only had problems with strap locks vs. none. The Duncans are the only reliable ones without maintenance that I've encountered, but I dislike those for other reasons.

Hundreds of gigs, lots of jumping around, never an issue with leaving a dedicated strap on a bass. Maybe add a Grolsh washer or one of these - http://strap-onstraplock.com/
 
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Reactions: squeakyd
#10
meteor said:
I use them on my main instruments, totally recommend it. Obvious safety reasons aside, they make putting on, and taking off the strap a bit easier. Also, I don't like when the strap holes get worn out.

If you don't like enlarging the screw hole, you can always use a washer, or one of those cheap rubber strap-locks, their name escapes me. Also, analog kid beat me to it, but not all brands have bigger screws. I'm not sure if my memory is correct, but my dunlop's required enlarging while my schallers did not.
Click to expand...

Rubber fender washers; I had those before I got the Schallers. Available at any hardware store, the poor mans' strap lock!
 
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Reactions: Gab124, DougieB, Remyd and 2 others
#11
meteor said:
If you don't like enlarging the screw hole, you can always use a washer, or one of those cheap rubber strap-locks, their name escapes me. Also, analog kid beat me to it, but not all brands have bigger screws. I'm not sure if my memory is correct, but my dunlop's required enlarging while my schallers did not.
Click to expand...

I have Dunlop straplocks on all of my basses (Am Fender, Carvin, two Squiers, Yamaha, Ibanez) - never had to enlarge the holes.
 
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Reactions: matthewbrown, DocGeorge, bnolsen and 1 other person
#13
I use rubber washers, they work wonders and require no tools or modifications. Only downside is that removing the strap is a bit more difficult, especially if the washer sits tight around the strap button. I never remove the strap, though, as my instruments fit in their bags/cases nicely with straps attached. Using nothing is absolutely out of the question, I most definitely don't want to see any of my instruments hit the floor.
 
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Reactions: squeakyd, DougieB, sissy kathy and 1 other person
#14
IIRC the Schaller strap lock screw is a slightly different diameter than the standard Fender strap screw. However, I've never had to re-drill or enlarge the holes. It is important to install the Schaller locks in the proper orientation on the strap end and to check the nut on the strap and the screw on the body for wear or loosening every so often (do it at string or battery changes or when cleaning your bass).
 
#16
Whether or not you use strap locks, every time you strap on a bass (or guitar), make sure the screws holding the strap knob/pin in the guitar are secure.
No matter what you use (Or don't use) if the screw comes out while you're playing--it won't matter.
 
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Reactions: AaronVonRock
#18
I don't use them and I'll tell you why. I began to take them for granted. I got so used to having them that I began to take both hands off my bass at times (adjust the mic stand, rearrange sheet music, etc)
Then it happened The straplock failed.
Never again. From now on I am ever vigilant and take proper care to hold onto my bass. No more locks. Just care on my part
 

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