Trussrod Adjustment Question

[BloxBass]

Hello everyone,
I was just trying to slightly lower the action on my new Big Al5.
All of my screwdrivers were too big, but I found a steel drill bit that fit the holes perfectly and tried to use the smooth end of that.
However, when I tried to move the trussrod wheel clockwise, the thing would not budge at all. I eventually gave it so much force that the bit snapped in half, without moving the truss rod wheel at all.
So I guess I'm just wondering if I'm doing anything wrong, or if the necks can't be lowered anymore from the factory setting? Does the wheel just need to be worked a bit to loosen it up or what?
My action isn't too bad, but like I said it would be ideal if it could be lowered only very slightly..
It could be simply that I just need to give it more pressure with a better tool, but I really don't want to hurt bass.
If anyone can help me figure this one out I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[todddlur]

if that truss rod wheel didn't move you've got a problem. don't ever force it like you did. take it to a tech. the wheel should move very easily both ways,and use the proper tool.

 

[maddog]

make sure you aren't inserting the screwdriver/drillbit/slendercylindricaltool all the way through to the neck wood.

 

[MrMusashi]

my advice would be to give customer service a call. they do know the instruments and how to handle them

that way you get the best qualified help instead of well meant help that might not be any help at all

MrM

 

[bovinehost]

Even though my analyst says I can't get involved in internet diagnoses, I can tell you a few things here that I almost surely know to be true.

1. As I believe the 'dog mentioned, make sure you're not inserting whatever you're using too far into the hole. Halfway in is good, otherwise you're coming out the other side and then you're stuck, aren't you?

2. Truss rods bind occasionally. They're harder to break than you might imagine (although it can be done). And each one is a bit different. Some are easy, some like to fight back a little to make sure you're serious.

3. When I run into item 2, I make a mark on the wheel with a Sharpie or a grease pencil or something to know where my starting point is. Then I loosen the truss rod to see if that will convince it to turn. And then I turn it the other way to see if it will go past the zero mark. This almost always works for me.

4. Nails have pointy ends! They can be used, but be careful.

I take no responsibility if you break anything - I'm just pointing out some slightly possibly maybe useful things I've learned along the way.

Jack

 

[jasper383]

Tightening the truss rod means that you are going against the string tension, too. Loosen the strings a little, then try carefully to see if you can get the wheel to move a little.

If not, use Customer Service.

 

[bovinehost]

If I were you, and I most decidedly am not, given that it takes almost all of my time just being me so I really don't have time to be anyone else, I would read my earlier posting and give it some consideration.

If I were me, I'd simply have a drink and make snide comments on Facebook.

Wait.

Okay, gotta run now.