Slot-type machine head posts & heavy gauge string woes

[Concretebadger]

Since I'm doing a lot of drop-tuning on my Mustang these days I've ordered a heavier gauge set of strings, but the slots in the tuning posts aren't *quite* wide enough to take the low E (I'm talking .52 and higher here...which for a wimp like me who has girly hands is unusually heavy). I don't think the tuners work like my CIJ JM does, i.e. poke the end of the string down into the post...I'm fairly sure the string has to go across the slot rather than into the post itself. Or am I doing it wrong?

What's the usual workaround for this? File the tuner's post slot out to widen it? Crimp the string with pliers?

[paul_]

Are they reissue F-tuners? The only slot head tuner I've had that wouldn't take a .052 is the F-tuner on my MIM Classic '70s Strat neck. The Kluson repros on my Fender Japan/USA stuff doesn't have the same problem. The strings ARE meant to go in just like on Kluson reissues but they made them smaller.

When using 10-52s I just force the low E down the middle of the slot so that it's eventually wound up like a non-slotted tuner. I considered using pliers but I didn't want to weaken the integrity of the post, however as you generally wind below the split portion this probably wouldn't really be an issue like I pictured it.

[James]

I bought a set of bass tuners that wouldn't take the low E. I took it into work and had an engineer drill it out. It works perfectly now and is even tidier than the other three. I've no idea the exact process he used but if you have a way of making it happen I'd recommend that approach.

[aen]

I've had to lay big strings sort of across/through the valley on my 72 tele deluxe reissue. It sticks in perfectly well once you get it wrapped around the post. Luckily though, the 60's and 50's style tuners have much wider holes for nice big strings.

[benecol]

Sounds odd to me - I've used baritone strings with regular Klusons before with no problems.