Straplocks on a Bongo!!!!

[bigduke]

guys, I have a bongo with schaller straplocks on it, I don't remember if these came on stock or I put them on at one point. The question is, and I have this problem with their system is they wiggle loose and I have done the toothpick in the hole trick and they eventually work themselves loose again. I was going to fill the hole with crazy glue next and try that but does anybody have any other suggestions? I tightened them down a little to tight last time and cracked the paint on the upper horn of my bongo. I should mention the upper horn is where the pressure is because the back lock has never come loose yet. It seems every time I play they are loosening right up on me. Thanks.

 

[JayDawg]

Try switching them out with Ernie Ball Straplocks and see if that helps?

 

[bovinehost]

I don't know about crazy glue, but a toothpick and some wood glue have served me well over the years as I replaced and replaced and replaced the screws. Of course, now switching over entirely to the obviously superior EB straplocks, all my straplock sluttiness is over and I can relax.

 

[adouglas]

Don't use superglue….

Toothpicks and wood glue are the thing, not just toothpicks. Use more toothpicks than glue…. you're trying to replace what's under the paint, which is wood, right? The glue isn't there to fill the hole, it's there to keep the toothpicks from falling out.

If you've got a completely screwed up hole (pun intended), cram as many toothpicks in there as will fit, held in by wood glue, then allow to dry, trim flush and CAREFULLY drill a new pilot hole slightly smaller than the shaft of the screw you're going to install.

Handy tip… get a candle or a bar of soap and rub the screw threads across it to coat them before you install. This prevents the screw from getting glued in permanently.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Schaller straplock screws are not very long and the threads are too fine (not good for wood). What I do is I use drywall screws (6 x 1 1/4", No. 2) and grind the heads so they fit through the strap pins. They have a really aggressive thread pitch. With that, I have also used toothpicks and a smidgen of wood glue.

If the holes are really stripped, you can bring the bass to a luthier/repair person and have some hardwood plugs installed. I have read that they need to be hardwood plugs and not wood dowels, which are generally softwood and not cut with the right grain orientation to work well.

Of course, you could get some Ernie Ball straplocks too, but if the threads are stripped, you'll still have to fix the holes.

 

[bovinehost]

"Always soap your screws." Someone told me this once. Seems like a good idea.

 

[adouglas]

"Always soap your screws." Someone told me this once. Seems like a good idea.

Better than screwin….

… never mind.

 

[jlepre]

I don't know what all the fuss is about. I just use the same screw that came with the bass. I don't use the screw that is included with the strap locks, and I have had 10 sets with not ONE issue.

 

[maddog]

I don't know what all the fuss is about.

The fuss is about a bass owner who has an actual problem he is trying to fix. Evidently, he has not been as lucky as you have.

To the OP, I would recommend using the original screw if you haven't already. If you can't due to the design of the straplocks, I suggest switching to straplocks that do (EBMM comes to mind.) Being that the body is basswood, you may have enlarged the hole enough that even the original screw won't hold right. If so, see above suggestions regarding toothpicks and wood glue.

 

[jlepre]

Dear Maddog,

I actually have the exact same strap locks as the OP. I was speaking from experience, so I'm sorry if I came across as harsh. It wasn't my intention.

Kind Regards,

 

[syciprider]

schaller straplocks

I think I isolated the problem.

 

[melvin7822]

Honestly, I've never had a problem with Schaller straplocks. However, I never used the screws that came with them. I've always used the screws that were in the bass to begin with. I just installed a set on my Big Al and the existing screws fit perfectly.

 

[Basspro]

My Schaller locks work fine on my Sterling and being black is a plus. Yep done the toothpicks and wood glue trick before and never had any problems after that fix on other basses.

 

[Nasty_Hitman]

I use Schaller Straplocks on all my basses and all my straps and I never had any issues in over twenty years.
You only have to use the original screws that came with the bass.

 

[cyoungnashville]

straplocks are for sissies and guys that spin their bass around their neck like the hair metal bands use to, i mean, still do. dont even get me started on guitar stands.

 

[oli@bass]

straplocks are for sissies and guys that spin their bass around their neck like the hair metal bands use to, i mean, still do. dont even get me started on guitar stands.

I get a feeling your disapprovement of me would be smashing...


Back to the topic: The brand of strap locks isn't really the issue here. The problem is the diameter of the screw that is used, and how often it was already taken out and screwed back in. Plus (and to much disgrace, this happend to me) if at some point in time the screw was enthusiastically overtightened to make it super extra secure.

 

[jlepre]

straplocks are for sissies and guys that spin their bass around their neck like the hair metal bands use to, i mean, still do. dont even get me started on guitar stands.

Well Craig,

Some of us need to PROTECT our investments. Not all of us are big recording artists with deep pockets...

 

[oli@bass]

Not all of us are big recording artists with deep pockets...

Or get stuff for free that not even BP knows of

 

[cyoungnashville]

yeah yeah yeah. ok sissy boys, now back to practicing spinning your bass around your neck without missing the next 8th note!!!

 

[jlepre]

yeah yeah yeah. ok sissy boys, now back to practicing spinning your bass around your neck without missing the next 8th note!!!