Strat Trem Bridge "Pivot screws" question?

I have a Peavey Predator (a nice Strat copy) that I want to bring back to life (actually there is only ONE issue with it- been in a closet for 15 years- it's almost new)

Years ago I kept messing(doh!!) ) with the knife-edge "pivot screws" for the tremolo bridge, trying to 'smoothen out' trem action, and stripped the wood for the screw holes for the outer 2 screws- and now I want to re fill the holes and re iinstall the screws....

Question: What is the "common wisdom" on how tight (close to, or ON the bridgeplate...) those screws should be ??? adjusment procdure

I plan on using 10-46 strings, 3-springs, and the usual floating a 'little off the body'.....

The trem bridge is vintage Fender style EXCEPT is has only 4 "pivot screws": the outside 2 strings (6,1) and inside 2 strings (3,4)- none by strings (5&2)

Thanks for any help, advice! Joe

(I have read and seen some videos, about trem setup, but these screws are not really addressed...)

Google:

latex tube AND Ron Kirn site:tdpri.com

Well I pull my trem arm up so the plate is decked back on the body, then tighten the two outer screws so they just touch the plate, then back the other screws (whatever you have in the middle)
off so they are about 1/16" above the plate.

Then the plate just pivots on the outer two screws.

Well I pull my trem arm up so the plate is decked back on the body, then tighten the two outer screws so they just touch the plate, then back the other screws (whatever you have in the middle)
off so they are about 1/16" above the plate.

Then the plate just pivots on the outer two screws.

thanks so much! I have a tendency to overthink stuff, this makes sense! Appreciate the quick repsonse, Joe

Google:

latex tube AND Ron Kirn site:tdpri.com

thanks! joe

For fixing stripped screw holes in wood use a wood match stick and wood glue in the hole.

For fixing stripped screw holes in wood use a wood match stick and wood glue in the hole.

thanks, joe

thanks so much! I have a tendency to overthink stuff, this makes sense! Appreciate the quick repsonse, Joe

We all overthink stuff here. Thats what makes this site so good.

BTW I "stumbled upon" a site that had a blow by blow of making a peavey strat copy a killer strat for about 200.00-300.00.

We all overthink stuff here. Thats what makes this site so good.

BTW I "stumbled upon" a site that had a blow by blow of making a peavey strat copy a killer strat for about 200.00-300.00.

I regularly play a '90's Tex-Strat ( looks very much like Jeff Beck's yellow Strat with R/W board- I just love "early '60's" Fender colors!) that over the years (PU and hardware upgrades) became a great 'player'.

So now the idea is to just enjoy the Peavey Strat for the $169 (what I paid) that it is- get the trem bridge back in shape so I can use the bar, but no desire (or $$!) to upgrade.