Fender Bass stripped truss nut

[Len Biglin]

Hi Guys , this one is a modern Fender bass with the truss nut at the headstock , and access through a ring of walnut , or similar wood. The owner has rounded out the allen nut , then backed it off hard so now it's useless. Can I remove the nut by getting the wooden ring out from the access hole ? Then replace the nut ? Len

[nathan clark]

I did that repair once and it fixed the problem.  I think that caulking your shop's windows would be a more profitable job.  Just my opinion.

[Russell Vance]

Hi Len,

To remove the plug you will need to jig up the headstock and drill with a high quality forstener bit - slowly. 

 

But before we go there, do you have one of the STEWMAC "Gripper" 1/8" tapered Allen key screwdrivers.  They are tapered to increase the diameter the harder you hammer them into a burred nut and can sometime pick up the last remaining hex at the bottom of the truss nut.  If this Fender has this size nut, this may work. Jig the neck flat or slightly into a reverse bow and try to wind the nut on to get some easy purchase after a couple of shots of RP-7 or Nutcracker down the bore  (I presume the neck has too much relief).....

If it is a Fender Indonesian "Infiniity" Bass probably just better to walk away as once they are into a lot of relief there is no coming back.

Anyway, Len, you can borrow mine if you wish to experiment as I am off work for a while getting some repairs done to myself - I have your address and will send it up if you wish to give it a go.

Rusty.

[Len Biglin]

Thanks Rusty, I didnt notice the exact model of bass , it is a 1/8" allen nut , and no I don't have the tool and would be very appreciative if you can send it up .Probably need a new nut in the end though.Is RP-7 a generic answer or actually the best product for jammed threads?Thanks again

Nathan how did you know about my windows? ha ha

[Russell Vance]

Hi len,

Any penetrating spray with a feed tube  will do, I use a commercial product called "Nutcracker" which has lasted me for many years so I don't even know if it's still available.    I will post the driver up on Monday. C'ya. Rusty.

[Len Biglin]

Thanks so much Rusty and I do remember it is USA Fender bass probably a Jazz, will return the tool as soon as possible Len

[Len Biglin]

Hi Rusty , If you haven't sent the driver up yet, hang on to it. The customer went to an engineering place and got sorted. Thanks mate , if it's on the way i will send it back.Len