How tight should I tighten the string clamps on the trem?

[fastonebaz]

I've got a 2008 Jem7vwh. Just wondering is there a recommended tension for tightening the string clamps on the trem? Its probably impossible to measure as I can't think of ever seeing a torque wrench small enough for the job. But as a rule of thumb is it nearer either of these:

1) Nip it up

2) Tighten it more than a nip but less than squashing the strings

3) Squash those strings you don't want them moving in there.

All very subjective but I'd be interested in your thoughts. Reason I ask is because I've noticed I'm snapping more strings than ever recently always at the bridge and yes I've just reread Rich's tech section about how its normal but I wondered maybe I'm over tightening the clamps a bit prematurely fatiguing the strings down that end.

thanks

[thesimo]

put the allen key in so you are holding the L part, turn with thumb/first finger and get it good and firm. Because of the reduced leverage you shold get it nice and snug but not squashing the **** out of the string...

i.e. 2

[Vim Fuego]

Not a daft question at all, I had something new happen on my last string change.
After I'd put one of the wound strings on, I was stretching the string and the plain core slipped out of the windings held in the bridge saddle clamp! I clipped of the excess plain core and re-clamped the string in the bridge saddle but this time made sure I tightened it up more than normal. so maybe 2.5?
By the way, they were DR coated strings so I guess the friction between the windings and the core is less on these particular coated strings (i.e. they coat the winding wire before putting it on the core), I've used coated strings before, just not these.
Jim

[jb4674]

I'd go for 3 and see what happens

Jimmy

[fastonebaz]

all good thanks, i know really the answer is to tighten it until i feel comfortable that its tight enough not to slip but is not crushing the string. but i just wondered if there was a common practice measure for it.

cheers all.

[Kenix700]

I usually get them as tight as i physically can, i dont care if a squish them. Last time i tried not to squish them i was going out of tune too much.

[forest4]

Squashing them is no good, you'll damage the covers on a newer trem, or flatten the strings on an older edge/lo-pro. Tighten them snug, and then a little extra. That is enough.

[richard1973]

hmm i'd say 2, i dont squash them really tight, but i dont want them too loose that the screws will undue themselves and get lost and i dont want to get string rattle if they become too loose. ive not to my knowledge ever broken a string due to this, but then again i dont over tighten them till my fingers bleed or the allen key snaps

[marianozz]

Once on an old jackson bridge i had, the b string kept slipping while tuning, i tightened some more and the saddle snapped in two

so, tighten carefully

[southpaw_lefty]

snug it up and then give it a quick forceful twist. that's really all you need.

[fastonebaz]

thanks all, i think i'm doing it OK then. nice.