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Author Topic:  Stiff Tuning Nuts
Norm Pratt

 

From:
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Post  Posted 29 Nov 2008 2:38 pm    
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I have a Sho Bud Pro 1 that has incredibly stiff tuning nuts. When I go to tune my pedals I can barely turn them. I actually have to hold the Bell Crank so it doesn't torque it out and risk breaking it. Is there anything I can do to make it so they'll turn easier?

Thanks for any help.
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Tim Walker

 

From:
Marin County, CA (originally U.K)
Post  Posted 29 Nov 2008 7:40 pm    
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As I understand it (I'm no expert) they should be fairly tight but yours sound extreme. Different brands have different sizes and someone may have forced on the wrong ones - I would give Bobbe Seymour a call.
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Dick Wood


From:
Springtown Texas, USA
Post  Posted 29 Nov 2008 8:19 pm    
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Norm, it's very possible that over time they have been adjusted all the way in. Tuning nuts should have some resistance as you don't want them backing off as you work the various pedals.

If they are all the way in you'll have to back them off several turns in order to have room for tuning.

If you do back them off a little you will have to adjust the pull rod to take out the slop.
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Steve English


From:
Baja, Arizona
Post  Posted 29 Nov 2008 9:29 pm    
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I just went through the same thing a few weeks back:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=144932&highlight=

Order a couple of packs of new tuners from George L, or the vendor of your choice.
http://www.georgelsstore.com/steelacc.html

3/32...13/16 length is what I ordered.

To install new ones; get a drill bit just slightly larger than the whole in the new nylon tuner. With a battery screw gun, drill in about 1/8 in. This will make it easier to get the threading started. You can use the screw gun to install the new nylon tuners if you go slow.

The whole process took me about 10 minutes. Made mine like new!


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Norm Pratt

 

From:
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Post  Posted 30 Nov 2008 7:51 pm    
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Thanks so much for the help!
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Paul Redmond

 

From:
Illinois, USA
Post  Posted 1 Dec 2008 11:11 pm    
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Take each nut off the end of the rod and put just one drop of WD-40 on its opening. Nylon does indeed get stiff after many years especially if it has been exposed to the ultra-violet in sunshine. Also, after time, the nylon 'crushes' down 100% on the threaded rod which makes the nylon come into 100% contact with the corresponding threads, creating a total vacuum. Yes, a bellcrank can be broken or a rod twisted if they bind this badly. If there are any cutting burrs on the threads of the rod, this just aggravates the problem and creates more friction. The WD-40 usually solves the problem and softens the nut a bit.
PRR
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Norm Pratt

 

From:
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Post  Posted 2 Dec 2008 6:16 am    
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Thanks Paul. Do I need to disconnect the bellcranks from the rod before I take the nylon nuts off, or is it alright to just start backing them off all the way? Again, thanks for all the help!
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Paul Redmond

 

From:
Illinois, USA
Post  Posted 3 Dec 2008 7:59 pm    
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If the tuners are really stiff, I'd suggest disconnecting them from the bellcranks and holding that end of the rod with a rag and a pair of pliers. That will help avoid the possibility of bending or breaking a bellcrank or putting any undue stress on the changer.
PRR
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Ronnie Boettcher


From:
Brunswick Ohio, USA
Post  Posted 4 Dec 2008 10:58 am    
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I would clamp a pair of vice grips onto the rod, that way you have more torque against the vice grips, than the wrench on the tuning nut.
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