Marred truss rod nut

George · Post by **George** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 12:27 pm

The truss rod nuts on Squiers are crap and I've managed to marr one on my Telecaster neck. Is there a tool to get them out with? I know Stewmac do these Gripper wrenches but I was wondering if theres a cheaper version in the UK not specifically aimed at guitarists...

I don't really know what terminology I would use in a screwfix search etc.

Shaguar · Post by **Shaguar** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 12:29 pm

Easy outs/Screw extractors. http://www.toolprice.com/category/screwextractors/

You should be able to pick them up at automotive stores.

George · Post by **George** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 12:48 pm

Nice one, dumb question but which type do I go for? To be honest I'd be worried I may not be able to get the leverage on it if it's not a drill bit.

Shaguar · Post by **Shaguar** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 2:56 pm

Well either way you look at it, you'll need a new truss rod nut, right? You'll most likely have to drill the center of it and then insert the extractor that fits. Usually the size of the drill bit to use is indicated on the extractor. If it's an allen wrench hole you'll likely need a larger one.

I've had the best luck with the spiral type ones. You might want to bring the neck to a mechanic and ask him if he can do it for a small fee.

George · Post by **George** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 2:59 pm

Ahh I get ya, sorry this really isn't my forte. The girlfriend's dad is an engineer so I'll consult him.

GreenKnee · Post by **GreenKnee** » Sun Oct 03, 2010 8:23 am

GeorgeF wrote:Ahh I get ya, sorry this really isn't my forte. The girlfriend's dad is an engineer so I'll consult him.

Yeah, an extractor would be the best thing. It doesn't necessarily need to be bigger for an Allen cap head. The extractors have left hand threads, so as you tighten it into the drilled hole, once the tensions are equal, it will then start to undo the truss rod nut.

Jack

George · Post by **George** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 6:03 pm

Brilliant. I've got the blighter out. We had to drill the nut through the bottom so the Easy Out could grip, fucking scary. We then ended up having to scrap and chisel some of the wood away because the nut wouldn't fit through the whole on its own. Mission successful, although it took us ages. The replacement nut then WASN'T the right thread! I'm now on the hunt for a truss rod nut with 6 x 1mm thread. Anyone know where to get one?

GreenKnee · Post by **GreenKnee** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 7:00 pm

It may be a 1/4" truss rod nut? They're quite common. No idea where you can get them though, sorry. I had a quick google to no avail

George · Post by **George** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 7:19 pm

The rod definitely has a 6mm thread. The girlfriend's dad tested the old nut out with some bolts he had lying around and 6x1mm is bang on. He assured that a 5mm allen key nut always means a 6mm thread but the replacement I bought doesn't fit. Whole thing is bullshit.