Putting Loctite on Jag/Jazz bridge saddle screws

Noisy Cat · Post by **Noisy Cat** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:03 pm

(To prevent them working their way out)

How/where exactly do you apply it?

Simply on top of each screw whilst in the saddle?

Or do you have to remove each screw, put the glue on, then put it back in the saddle?

Also, which variety of Loctite do people use? Save me the cost of two pro set-ups please.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:13 pm

I tried it once, just a drop on top of the screw stops it from working loose. Any super glue will do it.
The problem is it can make future adjustments difficult. I'd try putting vaseline or lypsol on each screw thread, it worked for me.

Thomas · Post by **Thomas** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 11:27 pm

I take the bridge out, put tape on it to mark the correct height then unscrew it a wee but then pop something on there (i use clear nail varnish) then screw it back in and leave it to dry upside down. This way it's easy to break the bond via the adjustment hole should you need to do so in the future. Dropping stuff down the top of the screw hole just clogs up the allen key hole.

HNB · Post by **HNB** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 12:04 am

I unscrew each until they are almost out one at a time and drip a small drop on the threaded side and screw it back down. Screwing it back in to the saddle helps get it coated around the threads. Doing them one screw at a time helps you screw them back in to the height that matches the other to make the saddle level so you know where you want it to stick for your action etc.

Noisy Cat · Post by **Noisy Cat** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 6:20 am

HNB wrote:I unscrew each until they are almost out one at a time and drip a small drop on the threaded side and screw it back down. Screwing it back in to the saddle helps get it coated around the threads. Doing them one screw at a time helps you screw them back in to the height that matches the other to make the saddle level so you know where you want it to stick for your action etc.

That makes a lot of sense.

ekwatts · Post by **ekwatts** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 7:19 am

To remove superglue just use acetone. Causes it to gum up and come free.

Ankhanu · Post by **Ankhanu** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:29 pm

I just wrapped a little teflon tape on each screw, and it's been perfectly stable... and completely reversible and doesn't interfere with adjustment should any be needed. It did take a little time, maybe 30 minutes, to wrap the screws, and the tape was, predictably, uncooperative, but it worked well.

honeyiscool · Post by **honeyiscool** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 8:06 pm

I thought when people said they used Loctite they were talking about the blue thread locker stuff, not the Loctite super glue.

Noisy Cat · Post by **Noisy Cat** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 8:25 pm

VoilÃ !

HNB · Post by **HNB** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 8:37 pm

Yeah I use blue loctite which oddly is in a red tube. No superglue...

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:17 pm

It doesn't matter which you use, there is no golden rule, all you are doing is trying to stop a screw moving in a badly milled thread. Some people used to use candle wax.

Noisy Cat · Post by **Noisy Cat** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:30 pm

Fran wrote:It doesn't matter which you use, there is no golden rule, all you are doing is trying to stop a screw moving in a badly milled thread. Some people used to use candle wax.

I appreciate that

This VM Jazzmaster (and the VM Jag that I'm due to receive later this week) will be the first guitars that I'll have set-up on my own - hopefully. I've only got the confidence to do so after reading so much good information on here. I'm just trying to gather as many opinions as I can; and to me even the small things like this all matter.

I shimmed the JM's neck earlier this evening - fuck me, what a difference. I can't wait to post pics of them when I'm done!

honeyiscool · Post by **honeyiscool** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:50 pm

It's amazing how snobbish people get about shimming, considering IMO it solves like 75% of all problems with offsets. The rest involves setting the saddle heights as high as they will go.

Noisy Cat · Post by **Noisy Cat** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:53 pm

honeyiscool wrote:It's amazing how snobbish people get about shimming, considering IMO it solves like 75% of all problems with offsets. The rest involves setting the saddle heights as high as they will go.

I used a folded piece of card: the width of the pocket and 2cm long (after folding). Card from a packet of paracetamol. Didn't bother making holes; just screwed right through. Amazing results.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:24 pm

Nice one. It can almost transform a guitar.
I think i've shimmed every offset i've ever owned, always been an improvement.

paul_ · Post by **paul_** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 7:02 pm

I had an old surf rock GP special from '96 or so and Los Straitjackets back when they played Jags/Jazzmasters exclusively (they have the DiPinto Galaxie endorsement now) talked about using nail varnish on the saddle screws, handy because it dissolves very quickly and cleanly with nail varnish remover if adjustments are needed.
I use a Mustang bridge/the Russians used a pencil.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 7:08 pm

paul_ wrote:using nail varnish

Yeah but, which one, the red one or the blue one?

Joey · Post by **Joey** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 8:38 pm

purple/blue/red - low/high strength

so1om · Post by **so1om** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 2:48 am

do not use red or green loc-tite. Those are permanent. Blue or purple is ok..

I do one screw at a time trick. i followed the proper setup procedures that someone typed on.... i think it was on the offset forum? plays perfect. I still have the original strings, since i bought it in July.. because i've just been constantly playing it with all my free time.

I may or may not getting around to a tilt shim. it needs about 0.070 to do that.. 1deg or so..

enjoy!