stratman50th
May 9th, 2006, 04:14 PM
There is a thread about once a week with people asking how to fix a strap button that has worked loose or fallen out. The same goes for those who are trying to install the Schaller/Fender strap locks, and find the screw that comes with the lock is too small for the existing hole.
I’m going to start off by explaining what I do and why, then I’ll leave the thread open for the toothpick crowd. Once we get enough different ways of repairing or resolving the issue, we’ll move the thread into Trade Secrets and you all can answer the threads as they come up, or point them to this thread.
When you purchase Schaller strap locks, they come with the button, and the screw that attaches the button to the guitar body. It has been my experience, that when you try and replace the original equipment strap buttons on Gibsons, and some Fenders, the screw that comes with the lock frequently does not fit in the existing hole. (Those are the only brands I have personal experience with. This may apply to all brands) Those buttons are secured using a course thread screw. The Schallers come with a fine thread screw. In other words, the existing hole is too small for the new hardware. The existing buttons do not work with the new strap locks because they are fluted at the top in order to hold the strap on. (Higher end Fenders come equipped with these strap lock buttons, and are ready for the strap locks. Fender owns Schaller). The Schaller buttons are of equal size top and bottom. I have heard of some people grinding them to fit, but I prefer not to damage or alter the stock hardware.
The method I use to solve this will work as a repair on a strap button that’s loose, or has pulled out of the wood. I think this provides a cleaner, more professional, longer lasting repair.
I use plastic wood for the install/repair. You can buy it in any home improvement store in the US. I have been told it is available in the UK and Canada as well. Here is a link so you can see what the packaging looks like:
http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?product_id=69
It is solvent based, so it cures when the air hits it. It is as solid or better than wood after it cures completely. It does have to be stirred well as both the plastic wood compound and the curing agent is in the same can. It can be re-used if you put the lid on tight.
The job:
After removing the screw, I use a toothpick to pick up some of the plastic wood compound out of the container. Then I run it down into the hole, working it around the outside diameter. I fill all the existing tapped threads with the filler. I do not fill the entire hole up with the product. I leave enough of the hole, full length, to avoid re-drilling a pilot hole. I let the plastic wood cure for 24 hours. After that, it’s ready. You can install the new strap lock button, or replace the stock button if it has fallen out.
Since this acts like real wood, if you sell the guitar, you can re-install the stock strap button and keep the lock button for your next guitar.
I’m going to start off by explaining what I do and why, then I’ll leave the thread open for the toothpick crowd. Once we get enough different ways of repairing or resolving the issue, we’ll move the thread into Trade Secrets and you all can answer the threads as they come up, or point them to this thread.
When you purchase Schaller strap locks, they come with the button, and the screw that attaches the button to the guitar body. It has been my experience, that when you try and replace the original equipment strap buttons on Gibsons, and some Fenders, the screw that comes with the lock frequently does not fit in the existing hole. (Those are the only brands I have personal experience with. This may apply to all brands) Those buttons are secured using a course thread screw. The Schallers come with a fine thread screw. In other words, the existing hole is too small for the new hardware. The existing buttons do not work with the new strap locks because they are fluted at the top in order to hold the strap on. (Higher end Fenders come equipped with these strap lock buttons, and are ready for the strap locks. Fender owns Schaller). The Schaller buttons are of equal size top and bottom. I have heard of some people grinding them to fit, but I prefer not to damage or alter the stock hardware.
The method I use to solve this will work as a repair on a strap button that’s loose, or has pulled out of the wood. I think this provides a cleaner, more professional, longer lasting repair.
I use plastic wood for the install/repair. You can buy it in any home improvement store in the US. I have been told it is available in the UK and Canada as well. Here is a link so you can see what the packaging looks like:
http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?product_id=69
It is solvent based, so it cures when the air hits it. It is as solid or better than wood after it cures completely. It does have to be stirred well as both the plastic wood compound and the curing agent is in the same can. It can be re-used if you put the lid on tight.
The job:
After removing the screw, I use a toothpick to pick up some of the plastic wood compound out of the container. Then I run it down into the hole, working it around the outside diameter. I fill all the existing tapped threads with the filler. I do not fill the entire hole up with the product. I leave enough of the hole, full length, to avoid re-drilling a pilot hole. I let the plastic wood cure for 24 hours. After that, it’s ready. You can install the new strap lock button, or replace the stock button if it has fallen out.
Since this acts like real wood, if you sell the guitar, you can re-install the stock strap button and keep the lock button for your next guitar.