Axis neck screws stripped :-(

[AndyK]

Axis neck screws :-(

I took the neck off a few times last night to add some shims, and it seems the neck was never removed since the guitar left EBMM in '01. So, the screws were in there really tight, and are still hard to screw in and out - probably adds to the sustain and resonance!

Anyway, I managed to slightly strip a few of the screw heads in the process - anyone know what size screws are a direct replacement?

Thanks.

 

[beej]

Not off hand, but I'm sure you could order some via the CS guys if need be.

 

[AndyK]

Not off hand, but I'm sure you could order some via the CS guys if need be.

No problem ordering them from CS, but I'd feel pretty silly if the local Home Depot sells bags of them for $3!

 

[beej]

Yeah, me too.

 

[edhalen]

I'd take one of them with you to the Depot and you should be able to match one up.

 

[AndyK]

You'd figure it's a 2" wood screw - the thread/width is the key though.

 

[DrKev]

Yes, you should be able to match them up pretty quickly.

As a general "heads up" to people - Buy a set of decent set of screwdrivers. Using the correct size screwdriver should never be an option, it's important! And if you don't know the difference Phillips and Pozi-drive, look it up. Here is why...

The wrong size or kind of screwdriver tip, or a damaged screwdriver tip, is the fastest way to damage screw heads. As the screw head wears we lose grip. So we tend to 'push in' to try get more grip which only makes it worse. And then with all the force we use trying to push and turn we risk the screw driver slipping out of the head and shooting off at high speed and leaving a huge ugly scratch in the guitar finish or neck plate.

Trust me. You will shout and swear and gnash teeth. (Maybe even cry or vomit a little if your guitar is super precious to you).

And if the screwdriver tip was OK to begin with we've now damaged the tip which makes everything worse and will damage good screws faster later down the line. And if the screw head is damaged badly enough, you'll never get it out without surgery. How do you remove a screw with stripped head when it is biting into two inches of hard wood and the head is countersunk into a steel neck plate? The only people who can do that surgery safely on an expensive guitar are the people who never let it happen in the first place.

As master Yoda said - "Care with screwdrivers must you have, for when heads are stripped, useless to you will they be".

 

[AndyK]

I hear ya Doc! I have a good set, but, since these tiny (relatively) screws were in there so tight, I guess my normal " removes most other guitar neck screws - no problem") large Phillips didn't grip properly.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

If you only messed up a couple screw heads, the trem claw screws should be the same.

 

[AndyK]

If you only messed up a couple screw heads, the trem claw screws should be the same.

They're not that bad, I just want to cover myself if one or two get worse.

And, having stripped claw screws is worse!

 

[Spudmurphy]

The neck screws should not be overtightened as has been said in the past.

 

[uOpt]

Use Fender-branded neck screws which are sold in packs of 4 or 12 on Amazon for little money free shipping.

Home Depot screws are garbage, they have bad surfacing.

Before you slam them in, compare length.

 

[kestrou]

AndyK,

Just wanted to commend you for wanting to fix this RIGHT.

Maybe I'm too anal retentive, but it bugs me to see mismatched screws on otherwise fine instruments.

kestrou

 

[Larry]

They look like #8 x 1 3/4 Woodscrew. However, please check before installing. Also, I prefer stainless.

 

[AndyK]

Mine are fine, I think the more I removed them, the easier they turned. So, no need to replace them for now!

 

[Skoorbdooh]

The heads on the screws that MM uses are smaller than what FMIC uses. They are also a little different in the threads.
Get the parts from MM.