i use needle nose pliers.

 

Thin pliers -- or needle nose.

 

I use pliers or an open ended wrench. 12mm, I believe.

 

I've never owned those long, thin pliers so I went and got myself some for a total of $1.99...Made in China.

Thank you everyone for your help

 

Try a 10mm socket

 

long pliers are OK ish..........

The best way is to de-solder the 2 wires, then use a 14mm ring spanner and that will do it nicely, re-solder and you're away!

Max

 

i think that would be a little too much work tho wouldnt it?

can re soldering wires decrease the tone tho? so some would be scared to touch the wires.

 

It's not really that much work, but not usually necessary.

It will only "decrease the tone" if you screw up the soldering and create a bad connection. Some people SHOULD be scared to touch the wires.

 

A try the socket (it may be 14mm)

 

Hey man, thanks for the guess. Somehow though, I think your theory has holes like the wires preventing the socket slipping over the nut????????

OR if you are advocating desoldering the wires, it's already a pokey little cavity to begin with. Working in there seem like it would require the skill of a micro surgeon.

Besides, there's barely enough room to get the socket in there let alone the ratchet, let alone slipping the socket over the jack.

Worst suggestion I've ever heard ....

 

I have no trouble using a Craftsman wrench on mine. Its tight on the bodies that have the squarish cover but lots of RG550's have the oblong cover which makes it easier for sure.

 

If you use home keys, I find that the tools over the "j," "k," and spacebar keys are the best tools for tightening that input jack.

Opposable thumbs rock!

 

There is a tool called JackTight. It accomplishes this very repair easily without taking apart your guitar. It costs under $20 and saves much hassle. Check out the demo and order one at JackTight.com.

 

Nice tool, invaluable for AE's and jazz boxes with limited and no access to the back of the jack, or jacks that tighten from the top. Pretty much overkill on any modern electric with plenty of jack access and jacks that tighten from the rear.

 

BTW, it's an OUTPUT JACK, not an input jack.

 

a bionic arm with.....brains LOL

 

The hand of god, the head of Maradona..ha,ha,ha,ha........


Just try an open wrench that fits, you should be able to fit the wrench and gradually turn the nut till the jack is tight again.

Regards,
Nelson