allen wrench set.. for guitar work..what sizes?

[slinger]

what size allen wrenches/keys do I need... to cover all truss rods and bridges..on all possible makes/models of guitars?..thanks

 

[boniholmes]

Unfortunately I do not know the exact answer, but let me show you what I have:

On the left, the metric one, it is 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1. On the right, the other side of the lake, 3/8, 5/16, 1/4, 3/16, 5/32, 1/8, 3/32, 5/64, 1/16.

 

[dsutton24]

Can't give all possible, but here's my Fender list:

Various Fender Wrench Sizes:     Allen Wrench Size:
MIM Truss Rod 				3/16"  
Am Std Truss Rod  			1/8" 
Most Asian imports are 			5mm.

Micro Tilt 				1/8" or 3/32"
American Standard Jazz Bass intonation  7/64"
Jazz Bass Knob 				1/16"

				Wrench Size:	Screw Size:
American Modern Saddles 	.050"      	#4-40
American Vintage Saddles - 	Slotted		#6-32 x 7/16 
American Vintage Saddles - Hex 	1/16"		#6-32 hex set screws  
MIM Guitar Saddles 		1.5mm		M3 x 0.5
MIM Bass Saddles  		1/16"		#6-32

 

[guitarbuilder]

I'd just buy a well rounded set of metric and SAE.


http://www.rakuten.com/prod/new-hex...e&adid=18172&gclid=CJOL9_Wqqb0CFcg7OgodKy4A7w

I have a set of metric all on one holder and a set of SAE on a separate holder, as well as a set of individual allen SAE in a pouch, and a set of long allen and metric from T handles from HF which I bought because I needed a long one for 5 mm bolts and they were out of just a long set of metric.

They each have their plusses and minuses but in the end if I had a set like in the link ....I'd be OK on all accounts. My problem is they don't go back in their container...due to laziness.... so I put them in a baggie.

 

[boniholmes]

I would buy the one on the link, I miss a few sizes, for example 0.050" for my Strat's saddles.

 

[soulman969]

My suggestion would be to get an inexpensive set of both metric and SAE or even one of those on the key chain. Walmart has them for a few bucks. Then buy a set of jeweler scewdrivers to handle the slotted screws, philip head screws and the very small hex screws. Believe it or not a small screwdriver works in those quite well. Shouldn't cost more then $10 for all of it and it covers all of the needs I have.

 

[boniholmes]

Also, I made a test with my MM Silhouette. The saddle needs 1/16 wrench, but a size 6 Torx screwdriver fits as well.

 

[Vizcaster]

I use long t-handled allen wrenches available open-stock from Grainger. 1/8 and 3/16 and you'll want not only 4mm but also 5mm (you might want to bend one of the 5mm's for Martin acoustics). There's also an odd size used by USACG for their trussrod nuts (but they send you one or two wrenches with a neck).

Stew Mac has very nice long-handled nut drivers for acorn nuts, and for that you'll want at least 5/16 (Gibson) and it's also nice to have 1/4" (Guild and some other acoustics).

I have a busted .050" allen wrench glued into the back of a small flathead screwdriver, very useful for Strat saddle height adjustment screws.

But at the end of the day I wind up with an Altoids tin full of small allen wrenches. Once I find a grub screw that needs a special size, it gets added to the tin. There will be tiny screws necessary to adjust on a Tonepros locking bridge, and on various tilt-neck set screws.

I also have a disposable stamped metal open ended wrench (must've come with some knockdown furniture that's long gone) that fits 10mm bolt tuner bushings - they're always loose on a new guitar.

 

[chefandy]

stewmac makes a complete set of wrenches for all guitars. If you are doing repair work, you will need more than just a standard set of hex keys. It's not cheap, but they list all of the sizes you will need, you can find them cheaper elsewhere if you dug around a bit.
(link removed)

 

[String Tree]

what size allen wrenches/keys do I need... to cover all truss rods and bridges..on all possible makes/models of guitars?..thanks

Tools! It never ends.
Once you think you have them all, another brand comes along with a different idea.

I have several sets. SEA and Metric.