Perpetually self-loosening arm holder nut

[chaos731]

On my 1993 S470BK with LoPro edge, the arm holder nut seems to be perpetually (and frequently) working itself loose, so that the entire arm holder assembly rotates and "shifts" in its seat on the main bridge assembly. The arm itself is pretty secure in the arm holder assembly, and the nylon washers have been very recently replaced.

The question is this: is there a practical and secure way to keep this thing stable in a long-term but not permanent fashion (obviously, I don't want to weld it on there )? Or, is this possibly indicative of a larger problem?

Other than that, the bridge (and everything else on the guitar) seems to be in pristine condition and excellent working order.

I heavily use the trem on this guitar, and it stays in tune beautifully. It's just a pain in the ass to keep needing to get in there with a deep-socketed 10mm socket wrench to tighten it every three or four days. Any advice would be appreciated.

[brothersnowgone]

Locktite

[jb4674]

Replace the arm holder assembly, it shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg, and it's a simple procedure to replace

Jimmy

[chaos731]

Originally Posted by jb4674

Replace the arm holder assembly, it shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg, and it's a simple procedure to replace

Jimmy

Yeah, I kind of had a feeling you were going to say that.


*sigh*. It's a 16-year-old guitar...I guess it's inevitable that wear and tear is going to demand replacing a few parts from time to time.

I just hate to pop her cherry.


Anyway, I needed an excuse to place a parts order from Rich...a couple of things I needed. So...hey Rich...there's an order in your mailbox.


Thanks, Jimmy. Hey, man...every time I mean to call you about that beer (or six) we've been talking about for months, I just keep getting sidetracked by life...nothing personal, man. I'll hit you up soon, though...

[Rich]

No need to replace it unless it's worn out.

http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/setup/loose_holder.htm

[chaos731]

Originally Posted by Rich

No need to replace it unless it's worn out.

http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/setup/loose_holder.htm

I appreciate the feedback, Rich...I've taken those steps many times.
My parts order, I believe, is necessary. I was thinking it over, and remembering at least on one occasion, while adjusting the arm holder, I distinctly felt what I believed to be the nut "slipping" or skipping threads on the holder assembly. Hence, I feel like it's pretty likely that either the nut or the holder threads (or both) are stripped. Thus, "worn out", and thus, replacement parts. While I was at it, I ordered a couple of related items (for posterity...in 15 years, it may be well nigh impossible to find this stuff, so why not).

I hesitate to use locktite, if I can avoid it...sounds too much like glossing over a problem that may be better solved than simply worked around. Any other thoughts/options?

[Rich]

I'll answer email in a sec, but if you tighten it right with channel locks just once, it's tight forever. If there's a thread issue I'd investigate, or just replace it all if you're more comfortable that way. The factory does use Loctite on there on first installation though.