Question about swapping strap locks...

[fenderguy72]

I've got an 08 Ams Tele with the vintage strap buttons...Now with these, although looking nice, I've almost dropped my tele twice on stage.
So I've got an extra set of the small strap buttons, the older ones, that work with straplocks....
I want to install these so i can lock my strap and not risk another drop...Is there anything i should do before, after and during installation, or is it just as easy as taking the old ones out, and put the new ones in? Hope this question makes sense, thanks...

[mellecaster]

You're basically asking if you can remove (2) screws...and then screw them back in.....courage my friend...courage......

[fenderguy72]

hehe...yeah, i know, courage...guess we all feel like we're handling a new born baby at times...funny my strat, never got that kind of affection, but she's a tough old broad...
yeah, i'll switch em out, and give myself piece of mind...thanks man...

[Vizcaster]

Wait, wait. This is the TPDRI - we have to make it complicated if at all possible. So I'll try. Compare the screw sizes and if the new screws are longer or fatter you'd best be served by predrilling before trying to get the new screw in there. Otherwise it's really hard to get the busted piece of screw out if it snaps off (don't ask me how I know that). A little candle wax on the threads helps it to go in. And use a regular handheld screwdriver, not a drill/driver, so you can feel whether the screw is going in okay. If you want to get fancy, cut a little circle of felt to put under the new straplock.

[TheBends]

You can also put a small toothpick and a dab of wood glue in before applying the screw. I've done this method before, and it basically prevents any slippage of the threads of the screw which keeps it nice and snug.
As far as breaking a screw inside, I have to wonder,Viz, How did you manage that? I've never heard of something like that happening haha.

[Deadsy]

Originally Posted by Vizcaster

Wait, wait. This is the TPDRI - we have to make it complicated if at all possible. So I'll try. Compare the screw sizes and if the new screws are longer or fatter you'd best be served by predrilling before trying to get the new screw in there. Otherwise it's really hard to get the busted piece of screw out if it snaps off (don't ask me how I know that). A little candle wax on the threads helps it to go in. And use a regular handheld screwdriver, not a drill/driver, so you can feel whether the screw is going in okay. If you want to get fancy, cut a little circle of felt to put under the new straplock.

how true... i love this site.

[fenderguy72]

Originally Posted by TheBends

You can also put a small toothpick and a dab of wood glue in before applying the screw. I've done this method before, and it basically prevents any slippage of the threads of the screw which keeps it nice and snug.
As far as breaking a screw inside, I have to wonder,Viz, How did you manage that? I've never heard of something like that happening haha.

You were reading my mind...I did use a touch of glue on a toothpick, and used the little bit of felt from the other straplocks...

It fits nice now...pulled out a new strap...its all good...I'll swing it around later, for the final test, the way that Stevie Vai did...haha...

thanks for all the tips folks

[Rhomco Guitars]

After you have the new straplocks mounted on the guitar..... test the connection to verify the straplock actually locks. I have experienced cases where the mounting screw would not let the shaft of the strap mount engage deep enough to lock.
Seriously,
Rob

[Vizcaster]

Originally Posted by TheBends

As far as breaking a screw inside, I have to wonder,Viz, How did you manage that? I've never heard of something like that happening haha.

Oh, right. I meant that I heard about that happening. Twice on the same guitar. I (er, I mean, my friend) was digging pieces out for days before I could cleany refinish the guitar.