Question about bridges - What am I missing?

I have a standard bridge that came on my Tele Nashville Deluxe. It's the six-barrel adjustable type.

By the low "A" and "E" strings, (even w/ standard .09-gauge strings), attempts to adjust intonation start stripping the screw heads. The screwdriver(s) don't lay flat; they contact the heads at an angle, and the wimpier the handles, the harder I have to grip the d*mn things. I have to de-tune just to screw 'em in and out. I avoid intonation on those strings. It's problematic. (And, intonation via the harmonic vs. the fretted note at fret 12...is this still the preferred method?)

Suggestions? (Yeah, I am tool-challenged, but want to learn...BTW, this topic is so embarassing to admit in public.)

Well you SHOULD de-tune when adjusting saddles, especially on the heavier, wound strings. Do that and you'll never have a problem with stripped screw heads or setting intonation.

And yes, that is my preferred method of setting intonation - probably an electronic tuner would be even better.

Love your avatar, btw!

Help with the angle of the dangle:


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941318000P?vName=Tools&cName=Hand+Tools&sName=Screwdrivers

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941321000P?vName=Tools&cName=Hand+Tools&sName=Screwdrivers

You need a long enough tool!

Find a screwdriver with a long enough shaft (at least 5") so that the handle will be below the Tele body when you use it on those screws. Then you'll be able to engage the head of the screw without angling the screwdriver shaft. I had found one in a Snap-On catalog and was going to order it, but then I found one of my Dad's old ones with an 8" shaft so that's what I use. It works perfectly and reminds me of my Dad.

I agree you should detune when adjusting the intonation screws. I usually detune one full turn of the tuner key.

All great ideas! I now know where to start to look...I didn't know they made offset screwdrivers...and my dad sure didn't leave me with an 8" tool. <I just had to...>

Any others? Thanks, all!!

I would get rid of that god awful six saddle bridge and a get a 3 barrel ashtray bridge.
Only three screws to adjust.

But really, detune, lay a towel across the back so you dont gouge the finish, and get a longer tool with the appropriate head.

By the way, I never detune my three barrel saddle bridges, especially when I have glend\ale saddles on there.

When you intonate, go by the open string then check against the 12th fretted.
That gives a more accurate setup.
Forget the harmonic, that just divides the string in two parts,and has nothing to do with being in tune. The fret at the 12th method is more accurate and it takes into account string stretch a bit .Check it with a strobe tuner and see. It works for me.
Good luck,have fun.