How to drill for tremolo claw screws without a long drill bit?
- Thread starter taviii
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Just curious, as I have a new cheapo Jazzmaster type, but with Strat-style bridge & Tremolo- and am still tweaking setup/float
* How long ( say maximum depth) inside the body do those screws go in? Or, how long are the threads?
Always afraid they might come out, when 'backing them out'! ( to float the bridge, depending on string gauge)
Thanks
* How long ( say maximum depth) inside the body do those screws go in? Or, how long are the threads?
Always afraid they might come out, when 'backing them out'! ( to float the bridge, depending on string gauge)
Thanks
Get a 1/8" aircraft drill bit. You "could" try sharpening a piece of steel rod if the wood isn't too dense. Disclaimer... a sharpened steel rod is not a drill bit... YMMV.
It was a long time ago so might be forgetting what I did, but I think I used a hand drill and took the handle off the one side. Similar to this https://cpc.farnell.com/duratool/d0..._term=4588880505946015&utm_content=Hand Tools
it has a much lower profile than an electric drill so could get a better angle. If you happen to know someone with one?
it has a much lower profile than an electric drill so could get a better angle. If you happen to know someone with one?
I live in argentina and i cant get one nowhere of that size
, I live in argentina and i cant get one nowhere of that size
3 mm drill bit...
uxcell 3mm Dia 200mm Long HSS Straight Round Shank Twist Drill Bit Drilling Tool 5pcs
Agree with this. PLUS, the pilot holes don't HAVE to be perfectly perpendicular. Just don't drill any further than you have to. If the screws are perpendicular, you will just have a harder time screwing them in and adjusting. Do as best you can with the aircraft bit.
As an aside, I've always thought those screws were about the crudest way anyone could have come up with to anchor and adjust the tremolo on a Strat. I mean, I know they work, but geez.
If you can't get a long drill bit, I guess it's unlikely you could get one of these...
If you can't get a long drill bit, I guess it's unlikely you could get one of these...
Wayne Alexander
Friend of Leo's
Drill bit extender, itās a rod that clamps onto the bit, you put the rod into the chuck on the drill. Amazon sells them.
Bob J
Tele-Afflicted
I have a few drill bits with hex shank
I use one of these with a couple of the driver bit extensions
Makes for a pretty long reach
I use one of these with a couple of the driver bit extensions
Makes for a pretty long reach
a 12" bit works fine. But there are bit extenders you can buy, I wonder if they are available down your way? Borrow or rent a right angle drill from someone?Hello guys, im on the process of finishing a strat and i need to drill the screw holes for the tremolo claw, i dont have a long drill bit only common ones. Is it possible? Any ideas?
Can you get one of these set collars? use 2 drill bits.
Do you have a Dremel tool? They can often get you closer.
If the wood isn't excessively hard you may be able to do it with your fingers. Just wrap a bunch of masking tape around the shank of a 1/16" drill bit and drill with your fingertips. Once you hit the right depth, follow up with the larger bit. If it is really HARD wood, it will take forever.
If the wood isn't excessively hard you may be able to do it with your fingers. Just wrap a bunch of masking tape around the shank of a 1/16" drill bit and drill with your fingertips. Once you hit the right depth, follow up with the larger bit. If it is really HARD wood, it will take forever.
rdjones
Tele-Afflicted
Yes, that's what I used, and good to have on hand.
However, I question if he can't find one type of drill bit how's he going to find another type ?
Are there no "depot" type stores in Argentina ?
howardlo
Friend of Leo's
Simple solutionā¦just buy one.
here's a solution... go get the right tool... you can get off ebay for a few $$ which will be about the same as jerry rigging with some of the ideas submitted above is gonna cost.. .... you're drilling wood, so you don't need some exotic metal...
Dostradamas
Poster Extraordinaire
I would just make a drill bit out of some 1/8 stock, make a flat sharp tip.
In a pinch I bet I could get a coat hanger to work, it is a pilot hole in wood, seriously.
In a pinch I bet I could get a coat hanger to work, it is a pilot hole in wood, seriously.
Hello guys thanks to all for your replys, sadly there Is no Amazon or eBay in my country, if i were to order it online it would literaly take monts to arrive and local customs Is a pita, but ive seen those hex shanked bits, i didnt thought about them, with an extender i should be fine. Thanks!
I live in argentina and i cant get one nowhere of that size
Sharpen up an old 1/8" drill. Have a pal with a welder stick a 12" length of 1/8" diameter steel rod on the un-pointy end of the drill and grind the weld smooth.
While you're at it, make one that's 1/4" diameter as well. This one is for wire channels through the body.
