Easy fix for loose leg thread socket

Bill Myrick · From: Pea Ridge, Ar. (deceased)

Sho Bud leg if that matters ? Thanks, Bill Myrick.

Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

Wayne Baker · From: Altus Oklahoma

Sir, I would try a very firm sealant like 870B1/2. This is used in aircraft maintenance and is extremely durable.

Wayne Baker

Michael Yahl · From: Troy, Texas!

Bill, it will not be the stud on the leg that is the problem, it is the thread in the casting/endplate.

Repeated removal/insertion of the leg will cause the 1/2-13 thread to wear and since the aluminum is softer than the steel stud, the steel wins.

It will cost about $30 to get a Heli-Coil kit from ACE hardware. You will need to drill the existing hole slightly oversize and straight, size is critical, and insert the Heli-Coil. Once done and if done well, that insert will outlast the guitar.

Other option is to find a local machine shop and have them do it. They may be roughly the same price and done right.

Then again looking at your picture it dawns on me that the stud is loose in the leg, duh....

One word....Locktite, the gap filling kind or something such as mentioned above.

A machine shop may also be able to increase the size of the straight knurl and possibly compress the end of the tube to regain the required press fit. These are usually assembled with a very high interference fit and the end of the leg is heated with a torch to just below the point that the chrome begins to oxidize and then dropped onto the stud. When the tube cools it then shrinks causing a self locking joint.
_________________
"Don't fergit to kiss yer horse!"
'72 Sho-Bud Professional D10, (in pieces .....), '78 MSA Classic XL D10, '69 Emmons PP, Fender 2000
Peavey Session 500 BW, Crate Digital Modeling Amp

PSG PARTS
http://www.psgparts.com/

Lynn Stafford · From: Ridgefield, WA USA

Bill,

Fred Justice actually gave me this tip. Go down to the local hardware store and buy some Gorella Glue. Place a small bead around the knureled portion of the insert and drive it back into the leg tube. It's best to thread a 1/2-13 hex nut on it to protect the threads. If it's a real tight fit, you may need to take out the small tube at the opposite end of the leg and thread the clutch back on, then place a block of wood on the floor before you drive the insert back in. Use this glue sparingly though, because it will expand as it cures! Once, cured you may need to trim the excess at the gap with a razor blade or scraper, as some may bubble out. This stuff is really amazing...lots of great uses.
_________________
Best regards,
Lynn Stafford

STEEL GUITAR WEST
http://www.steelguitarwest.com
Steel Guitar Technician (Restoration, Set-up, Service and Repair work)

Previous Emmons Authorized Dealer & Service Technician (original factory is now closed)

ZumSteel Authorized Service Technician
----------------------------------

Ransom Beers · Posted 1 Mar 2012 1:13 pm

Take the stud to a machine shop & have them re-knurl the stud with a crosshatch/diamond knurl,this will raise the metal so it fits tighter in the leg,if you do that it is also a good idea as suggested to use some "Lock-Tite" on it.It'll be there when hell freezes over or until I learn to play like Buddy Emmons.That breaks down to "Forever"!!!!!!!!!

Jerry Roller · From: Van Buren, Arkansas USA

Bill, I have found the best way to fix this problem is to cradle the threaded lug on partially opened vise jaws and use a chisel to make deep "X's" all the way around the knurled part. That swells the piece so that it will fit tightly. Put a couple of washers and a 1/2" nut on the threads to protect them so you can drive the lug into the leg.
I would be happy to do it for you Bill.
Jerry

Lynn Kasdorf · From: Waterford Virginia, USA

Another fix is to ping from the outside with a center punch at the very end of the tube. But you will see a small indentation.

So, the gorilla glue is probably the simplest approach. Come to think of it, I have one of these loose as well.
_________________
"You call that thing a guitar?"

Ray Anderson · From: Jenkins, Kentucky USA

How about good ole' JB weld, amazing stuff and reasonably priced. Wink

chas smith R.I.P. · From: Encino, CA, USA

In a pinch, for a quick fix, I've stuck in a tooth pick and just screwed it in.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I've fixed several of these with "crazy glue" type of products, such as Loctite 430 Instant Metal Bonder. First, remove the inner tube (since you don't want to be gluing that). Then clean both the inside of the outer leg and the insert with a toothbrush and some alcohol. Apply tape where you don't want the glue (these adhesives are quite thin and runny), Coat both parts well with the stuff, and then press together and leave it sit (horizontally) overnight.

James Holland · From: Alabama, USA

Bill Myrick · From: Pea Ridge, Ar. (deceased)

Thanks guys for all the attention, I appreciate it !! I have tried Jerry's approach and so far it seems to fix things. I am printing this off for my records however. Thanks again -- Smile

Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

Bill, it looks like you have two different problems. The threaded part has slid out of of the knurled part, and the knurled part has slid out of the leg.

Most of the comments here address the second problem.

The first problem allows the legs to wiggle so the guitar moves around too much, because the knurled piece doesn't fit tightly against the big metal pieces on the guitar . The only solution I have found is to pound the threaded piece back in now and then.

Forum Index > Pedal Steel		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: