Truss Rod Problem

waylay00 · #1 03-09-2007, 12:08 AM

The other day, as I was doing some routine truss adjustments on my Fender American Deluxe Strat, I somehow or another stripped the allen nut at the end of the truss rod. This event is odd, because I always take care when adjusting with truss rods. I barely turned the wrench, and bam, it suddenly lost grip as if it were stripped (VERY odd

)... The truss rod itself is a Fender Bi-Flex rod (similar to the StewMac Hot Rod), so replacing the nut is not an option, since it welded to the rod itself. I've literally tried everything...WD40 (to see if it's a lubrication problem between the threads), all sorts of allen wrenches, etc

1) Is there anything I can do to potentially remedy this? I've tried using a 9/64 allen instead of the 1/8 to see if that would work, but it didn't.

2) This neck is dear to me, so replacing it is really out of the option. Yes, I know buying a replacement neck would be cheaper, but this was my first neck...I REALLY wish to keep using it. It means something to me...For replacing truss rods, who are some respectable luthiers whom you would recommend for this type of work?

3) How much would this normally cost to have someone replace the rod?

Thanks,
Wade

**jaxadam** · #2 03-09-2007, 12:14 AM

Oh boy... that does not sound good...

I would stop right there, and try to find someone near you who could possibly replace the rod. Being in the heart of guitarland, I'm sure there will be someone around to remedy your problem.

Even then, I'm sure the neck might feel a little different than the original with a replacement rod.

waylay00 · #3 03-09-2007, 12:22 AM

Yeah, this situation really angers me...I am very competent with guitar setups, and something like this should not happen on a $1000 Fender...

**jaxadam** · #4 03-09-2007, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waylay00

Yeah, this situation really angers me...I am very competent with guitar setups, and something like this should not happen on a $1000 Fender...

I definitely agree... Best of luck to you on getting that worked out.

waylay00 · #5 03-09-2007, 12:29 AM

I'm thinking about coating the allen wrench in a release agent, putting a blob of epoxy on the end of the wrench, and letting it sit in the nut. Hopefully, it will fill in the stripped area and the release agent will allow me to safely remove the allen wrench...

EL-CeeDee · #6 03-09-2007, 09:03 AM

Sounds like a good solution,.. replacement is the only real solution though.

waylay00 · #7 03-10-2007, 04:15 AM

Yeah, I'm thinking of grabbing a replacement neck to temporarily remedy the situation if that doesn't work...

Racerx2k · #8 03-10-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waylay00

I'm thinking about coating the allen wrench in a release agent, putting a blob of epoxy on the end of the wrench, and letting it sit in the nut. Hopefully, it will fill in the stripped area and the release agent will allow me to safely remove the allen wrench...

I've had pretty decent results with epoxy putties. They seem to be able to hold up to greater stresses than just epoxy. I once fixed a snapped-off plastic damper control arm, in my old 81' Regal's heating/AC system (switched between the heat and the AC), by re-connecting the 2 pieces together, using that epoxy putty. Held beautifully, even past the day that I sold it. You may be able to control the putty slightly better, too, in the end of the neck. You can just stick it to the end of the wrench, and lower it in, even. Just a thought.

ibanez2005 · #9 03-10-2007, 12:43 PM

Dont talk to me about £1000 Fenders, the finish on mine has gone crap, no where near the quality i expected.

waylay00 · #10 03-10-2007, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racerx2k

I've had pretty decent results with epoxy putties. They seem to be able to hold up to greater stresses than just epoxy. I once fixed a snapped-off plastic damper control arm, in my old 81' Regal's heating/AC system (switched between the heat and the AC), by re-connecting the 2 pieces together, using that epoxy putty. Held beautifully, even past the day that I sold it. You may be able to control the putty slightly better, too, in the end of the neck. You can just stick it to the end of the wrench, and lower it in, even. Just a thought.

All right, thanks for that. What is a good putty to use for this? Possibly J.B. Weld:

http://jbweld.net/products/jbweld.php

Thanks to all for the help.

jb4674 · #11 03-10-2007, 04:38 PM

I would try this first...

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Truss_ro...escue_Kit.html

Jimmy

Racerx2k · #12 03-10-2007, 05:25 PM

Yikes! Talk about high-priced overkill! I'd still go with the epoxy putty.

waylay00 · #13 03-10-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jb4674

I would try this first...

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Truss_ro...escue_Kit.html

Jimmy

Can't do that since the nut is welded to the rod itself. Thanks though!

ashbass · #14 03-11-2007, 03:41 AM

I'm not familiar with your neck, but from what you describe I'd get a dremel tool and cut a slot across the allen hole so that a large screwdriver blade can fit into it and you can get it out that way. I read in Dan Erlewines' book that that is how he often has to remove frozen/stripped allen screws from old fender bridge saddles.