Tuner screw concern

[ofsalesmen]

I recently installed new black Schallers (and a Hipshot Xtender) on my Squier VM Fretless. However, these machines are the HB2 style instead of the stock HB1. I figured it wouldn't be too difficult to use my existing tuner screws and drill new holes to accomodate the HB2 style...

Well, despite using pilot holes and gentle torque, I ended up shearing/stripping screw heads several times. Now each tuner is held in place by only two or three screws as opposed to four.

Is it alright to be missing a screw or two? The tuners feel solid (they don't budge at all), but I'm concerned about the string tension being too much.

 

[GlennW]

Can't say about the tension, but the next time try some candle wax on the screws.

 

[Pilgrim]

I agree with Glenn. I use paraffin, which is the same thing. Bar soap also works. I wonder if your pilot holes were drilled a hair too small.

If you can reach those screws, it would be good to remove and replace them - but if you have at least two screws holding each tuner in place, I think chances are they will stay put. I've seen older basses with two actual screws and two dummy screw heads on each tuner.

 

[Willicious]

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