Trem claw screw issues.

[CaptainD00M]

Going about my string change, as i do.
I'm watching the simpsons, I'm adjusting the spring claw, lefty loosy then BANG!
The left side screw i was adjusting pops out of the wood and the springs come off the claw.
I think, Ok, i will try put the screw back in... nope it acts like a loose strap button. I cant put the springs back on the claw without pulling out the screw if it isnt at least half way into the body, which is dam near impossible to get a stpring on to anyway.

How should i go about tackeling this issue?
Block the screw hole up with Epoxy and redrill?
Or just sand down the back and get ready for a cavity fill like PG did to all those wicked 80's RGs?

[S-man]

Drill out hole.
Put a small amount of wood glue in the hole.
Tap an appropriate sized dowel in hole.
Let dry for at least 24hrs.
Drill pilot hole.
Screw existing screw in pilot hole.

OR

Try a longer larger screw. Though I recommend the method described above.

My 2 pennies...let's see what others have to say.

[albee1952]

S-man is right on the money. The only trick he forgot is that you should go to a tool store and buy an extra long drill bit. One 8th or three 16th would be good choices and get dowel of the same size. You may want to think about how to make the finished dowel end up flush with the surface(since it may go in at a slight angle). The end can be left long after tapping it in. When the glue dries, you can saw it flush with a Japanese backsaw, or use a router with a template bit. You could also measure the hole(mark the drill bit) and precut the dowel, sand/cut the end at a slight angle and tap it in till it is flush. Touch up the exposed end with similar paint or nail polish and the repair will about disappear.

[Jaden]

no more suggestions needed, these guys have given you the right advice.
the only thing I would add here is that I dont use dowels - I cut 'sticks' for this kind of repair - so that the grain of the wood is not entirely end grain that you drill into (and yes I know that it is when original). - gives a more stable and reliable fixing.

[CaptainD00M]

Cheers
I hit up an older mate of mine who has some luthier experiance, hes going to give me a hand. Yeah some how i dont think the trem cavity finish is going to match up, as its a satin black with bronze flecks through it. What are you going to do though. Its my go RG that i never plan on selling.

I think next time i re-string im going to get a Tremol-no, save me so many worries.

[S-man]

Originally Posted by CaptainD00M

Cheers
I hit up an older mate of mine who has some luthier experiance, hes going to give me a hand. Yeah some how i dont think the trem cavity finish is going to match up, as its a satin black with bronze flecks through it. What are you going to do though. Its my go RG that i never plan on selling.

I think next time i re-string im going to get a Tremol-no, save me so many worries.

I wouldn't be overly concerned with the appearance inside the trem cavity.

That's just me...once the screw is back in, it will hardly be noticeable.

[LuredMaul]

drop some super glue in the hole and jam a couple toothpicks in it.....break them off flush .....yer done immediately and can go back to playing guitar

[RudeRaptor]

I would try what Maul suggested , or ...


I found a RG5EX1 (new) with same problem . I went to my local hardware store and bought a pack of metal pieces for tapping out wood holes . I wanted to avoid drilling the hole bigger so I tried this first ...




I cut 3 little strips that fit the screw hole .




then just screw the screw back in and it formed a sleeve , this was 5 months ago and its still holding strong !!!



Oh yeah with strip-out trem I paid only $239.99 for the RG (new) .

[Crazy_Guitar]

Originally Posted by S-man

Drill out hole.
Put a small amount of wood glue in the hole.
Tap an appropriate sized dowel in hole.
Let dry for at least 24hrs.
Drill pilot hole.
Screw existing screw in pilot hole.

OR

Try a longer larger screw. Though I recommend the method described above.

My 2 pennies...let's see what others have to say.

First option. Good luck!