new straplocks

[Avram]

So... sorry if this has been asked before, I did a search but didn't find anything...

I just received new Warwick strap locks for my bass (2002 Thumb BO 5). The original screws are much larger than the new ones, and it looks like I have to use the new, smaller screws in order for the straplocks to work, so...

What is the best recommendation for filling the original strap pin holes so that the new, smaller screws will fit securely. Obviously I MUST have a secure fit since these screws will be holding up my bass.

Thanks!

 

[TravisMoore]

Would the old bigger screws work with the new straplocks?

 

[+JohnnyBoy-]

So... sorry if this has been asked before, I did a search but didn't find anything...

I just received new Warwick strap locks for my bass (2002 Thumb BO 5). The original screws are much larger than the new ones, and it looks like I have to use the new, smaller screws in order for the straplocks to work, so...

What is the best recommendation for filling the original strap pin holes so that the new, smaller screws will fit securely. Obviously I MUST have a secure fit since these screws will be holding up my bass.

Thanks!

Would the old bigger screws work with the new straplocks?

 

[maddrakkett]

I've had to do the same thing on many of my Warwicks. All you need is toothpicks and Elmer's wood glue. Put some glue in the hole, shove the toothpicks in for a tight fit, then break off the excess and clean up any glue that pushes out. You can then sand down the nub and drill a small pilot hole, then screw in the Straplock pin. Holds like a charm!

 

[paperbag1213]

I DON'T REALLY KNOW BUT I'VE NEVER HAD THAT PROBLEM

 

[Avram]

Travis: no the old screws do not fit into the new straplocks, too big.
Paperbag: if you never had this problem, then your lucky (and yes Ryan Martinie does rule...)

Mark: Thanks a bunch! If you say it works then I know it will. I'll give it a go!

Just out of curiosity, has anyone else tried a different technique?

 

[Grgzilla]

What Mark suggested works fine.
But another way is to dowel(a thin round peice of wood bought at a hardware shop) the hole instead of using toothpicks.
I'd probably just do it Mark's way.

 

[rusty]

Matches work well also!


Ive got the old internal locks on my thumb, hate em.. Mite have to get rid of them.
Cheers

Rusty

 

[trujo777]

Matches work well also!...
Rusty

Yeah just make sure you do not get the ignition head into the bass but the base sides instead!! :wink: :lol: Sorry i had to crack one! :wink: :lol:

 

[Avram]

Matches work well also!...
Rusty

Yeah just make sure you do not get the ignition head into the bass but the base sides instead!! :wink: :lol: Sorry i had to crack one! :wink: :lol:

Yeah, then in the middle of a hot lick I can ignite it and be on fire! :twisted:

 

[Boyitz]

Matches work well also!


Ive got the old internal locks on my thumb, hate em.. Mite have to get rid of them.
Cheers

Rusty

Me too, but I prefer them.

 

[maddrakkett]

...Ive got the old internal locks on my thumb, hate em.. Mite have to get rid of them.
Cheers

Rusty

Me too, but I prefer them.

My Streamer Stage I and my Dolphin Pro I have the recessed Dunlop Straplocks and I love them - makes the bass look "shaved" and sleeker!

 

[golem]

....... Just out of curiosity, has anyone else
tried a different technique?

`

Different ? I use glue and wood shavings, if that ranks as
any difference from toothpicks. It's what everybody does,
and it's also the same stuff as what holds most of the rest
of your bass together. Fear not.

`

 

[maddrakkett]

These fixes also solve the problem with basses that come with factory installed straplock pins which loosen/strip out over time and use.

I've even heard the toothpicks/match sticks/wood shavings and wood glue makes for a stronger anchor point than the original body wood - kinda like how laminates make a stronger neck than a single plank of wood!

 

[Avram]

Well you guys convinced me!

Sounds like a good project for this evening...then maybe some photos of my final restoration result...and then you can all admire/critique my handiwork! 8)

Cheers!

 

[boebl]

Matches work well also!


Ive got the old internal locks on my thumb, hate em.. Mite have to get rid of them.
Cheers

Rusty

It works, yes - but not too long ago I read that it's not recommended to use matches. Their wood is pretty soft (can't remember wich one it was most of the time - but you should feel it when trying to break a match vs a toothpick)
In fact I think that it won't make suuuuch a difference, but if I had the possibility to choose (which most of us should have, i think) between toothpicks and matches, I'd go for the denser wood = toothpicks.

 

[Avram]

Toothpicks, +1 on that!

Unless I find some Ovangkol shavings lying around that is. :wink:

 

[JHbass]

you could break a tooth pick up, and fill that hole with that and some wood filler, that should do the trick :wink:

 

[JHbass]

I DON'T REALLY KNOW BUT I'VE NEVER HAD THAT PROBLEM

youre starting to get really annoying, if you wanna get you posts up, make your own thread and just keep posting on it instead of taking up room on thread where people need help

 

[rusty]

[/quote]
It works, yes - but not too long ago I read that it's not recommended to use matches. Their wood is pretty soft (can't remember wich one it was most of the time - but you should feel it when trying to break a match vs a toothpick)
In fact I think that it won't make suuuuch a difference, but if I had the possibility to choose (which most of us should have, i think) between toothpicks and matches, I'd go for the denser wood = toothpicks.[/quote]

I can see your point! Ive always used matches, but thats what a lutier told me years ago. Toothpics are a lot stronger. But on the other hand, having a softer wood for the screw to bite into would also be an advantage. The glue would hold it all together also!! 6 of one.......etc

The jim dunlop internal locks on my 97 thumb have a bad habbit of wearing out every six months or so and the top horn one lets go usually when your right in the middle of a solo or song. I tend to jump around a bit on stage & Ive lost count on the number of times this has happened to me and Ive had to "catch" the bass before the headstock hits the ground. Mark is right though, they do look great.

Cheers

Rusty