Strap Buttons?

[Metalcat]

I put some Dunlop strap locks on my JP6 a few days after I had gotten it, but the screw in the upper horn just doesn't wanna stay secure. It doesn't come out of the hole, but I don't wanna risk dropping my "baby"

So how do you guys overcome this? I've done the toothpick/superglue method but that was on MUCH cheaper guitars, and I'd prefer not to do it on my JP.

 

[beefyslinky]

Man, that makes two of us. I had this same problem not to long ago, except it was the EB strap locks. I never did fix the thing to fit snug. The only thing I can think of is to get a new screw. grrr.

 

[mikeller]

Some tooth picks and maybe a tiny bit of wood glue is what I use

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Some tooth picks and maybe a tiny bit of wood glue is what I use

+1 - regardless of the price of the axe is still wood.

 

[Metalcat]

You guys are probably right with the glue. I'm just a bit paranoid sometimes...maybe haha

Oh well, I'll just do the glue/toothpicks like I've done before, thanks guys!

 

[threeminutesboy]

I did the toothpick/glue thing on my 25th, tim is right wood is wood and this won't affect the sound nor change the look and feel of your guitar

 

[TNT]

Toothpicks: Great tip! Actually, I do a precision cut on the toothpick and I have NEVER needed to use any glue!! Also, get a decent quality toothpick (for hardness).

 

[jakegat]

put a little crazy glue on toothpick and swab the inside of the screw hole , build up some layers and the screw will fit tight .

 

[Metalcat]

Well I did the toothpick trick today and it worked out fine! I was just worried because the last couple times I had done that I SOMEHOW managed to screw it up in some way hahaha. But it worked out fine this time.

Thanks guys.

 

[James C]

I use the Ernie Ball strap locks on all my JP's, they work wonders, never had an issue at all.
That said, if you're dead set on sticking with the Dunlop strap locks, then the toothpick trick is your best bet.

 

[lonewolf74]

Are you guys talking about jamming toothpicks into the hole where the screw goes, to give the screw some additional wood to bite into? Or are you just talking about using the toothpicks to apply the glue to the inside of the hole?

(I've been having the same issue with the EB strap buttons loosening over time.)

 

[DrKev]

Buttons loosening over time is kinda normal with screws that have any sort of pulling motion going on. I periodically tighten them up (one or twice a year). What we're talking about here is when you can't tighten the screw - it doesn't come out of the hole per se, but it just spins in the hole and doesn't snug up. Common problem with pickguard screws too, particularly when people over-tighten them.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Coat a couple of cocktail sticks with glue and drive them into the hole.
If it's a "big hole" then fill the hole up with cocktail sticks/glue, let it dry overnight. Drill a small pilot hole and jobs a good 'un.

Are you guys talking about jamming toothpicks into the hole where the screw goes, to give the screw some additional wood to bite into? Or are you just talking about using the toothpicks to apply the glue to the inside of the hole?

(I've been having the same issue with the EB strap buttons loosening over time.)

 

[beej]

Generally, I've done one of two things.

1. Longer screws (I'll do this when I put on straplocks). That'll solve the slipping issue as you're drilling into fresh wood.

2. Fill the hole with a small dowel + glue. I find this to be more stable than toothpicks. Let fully dry, then re-drill for the screw.