Gripper wrench vs. worn-out truss rod nut

Dan Erlewine invented this Gripper wrench to tighten/loosen even the worst messed-up truss rod nuts!
More Info:
www.stewmac.com/shop/Truss_rod...
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[@jamesmorrison2063]

I ordered a 5mm gripper wrench for my stripped truss rod in my Martin HD28. It needs backed off, (counter clockwise), a little less than a quarter turn. Thanks for the video!

[@KramerPacer2]

If you ever have to extract a messed up truss rod nut, ordering the proper gripper wrench even if you live in europe and using them is the smartest way to solve the problem. THANK YOU STEWMAC. I COULD FINALLY DO IT!!!

[@ztwilkerson]

Got my Fender American Standard Strat back in action. Works great!

[@sadfvsdavn]

First I was sceptical about that. But this was far cheaper than a guitar builder so I tried it. Well, it worked. Those grippers are amazing, totally recommend them

[@joseambriz5897]

Does it work on a bass I went to guitar Center but they said they couldn't do anything

[@MisterTee]

@@joseambriz5897 as long as you have the right size it will work in a bass

[@kanetolley]

How do you know which size to get?

[@markusaurelius777]

@@kanetolley I was just wondering how you measure to get the right size myself. I have a Schecter guitar with a worn truss rod opening. I just need to tighten it slightly to get rid of "bowing" in the neck to get it more straight. I have an Ibanez JeM Jr and I adjusted that one so the neck is nice and straight and it plays perfectly.

[@GordoFlach]

You guys rock! Thanks for sharing your work and let us musicians save a lot of precious necks!

[@ArsalanPareyal]

Thanks a ton!!! this just saved me to sell my old fender! thank you so much!

[@twootters7433]

I just got one. It did nothing. It get's tight but then slips. In fact the edges of the gripper are starting to round off after 30 minutes of trying to save this neck.

[@MisterTee]

That means your truss rod nut was likely too far gone. I’ve used these on dozens of guitars and they are a godsend.

[@rafaeloda]

Damn! this looks good! You should start making Car tools as well.

[@cavaturnagesh]

really useful info, hi Dan, I have ordered this tool, as my fender's truss rod nut is stripped and wont turn

[@karlmorrison2713]

Thanks man. I have a guitar and I was wondering why my tool never fit.

[@TheSoxmania]

I need me some of these wrenches!!

[@hanten10]

This is what happen with my guitar right now.. I hope I can jave this tools to fix it.. I have bought new neck but this new one didn't fit better than the original neck 😢

[@BadgerRobot]

This tool saved my bacon. Worked like a charm when nothing else worked.

[@juffurey]

Dan you are a wizard.

[@MidnightFireBurst]

I was told the walnut plug on my bi flex would have to be removed by a qualified luthier but in this video the 1/8 wrench fits fine. Also that the wrench will work only so many times... Some more user feedback from experience with these particular sized wrenches/ truss rods would be great. Thanks

[@zackyallen2713]

How’s it coming along 4 years later?

[@titanoboaoficial2014]

Brutal solution

[@19cubbies69]

Drop of crazy glue on allen wrench worked for me. Let it dry first

[@imlostinthewoods]

Would you by chance know what size Gripper tool would work on a Chinese made Vintage (brand) V100 Lemon Drop guitar? This is a Les Paul copy, similar to an Epiphone Les Paul. I purchased this V100PGM used and I love the guitar but when I went to adjust the intonation and neck via the truss rod, I found out the previous owner had stripped out the hex nut... I believe the Gripper would safely extract it if I knew what size to order, but I will also need to seek out a new nut to replace the damaged one. Does StewMac carry the hex nuts? Once I've removed the damaged nut, I'm primarily concerned about getting a new one with the correct threads and the correct sized hex head wrench to install it. Thanks!

[@grocko_music]

This was really helpful, is it possible to replace the truss rod nut on a double action rod(acoustic guitar) ?

[@kenwilliams9628]

so you removed the stripped 1/8 nut-great! Now what? What,s the replacement part. Show us how it,s done please.

[@Laihianrambo]

Can you use this constantly or is this tool for removing the rod and getting new one in

[@stratrovarius]

Hello. Does this gripper wrench work for adjusting (not removing) the nut on dual action truss rods since the nut on these truss rods is welded and cannot be removed?

[@Metalbass1979]

Are these still available? I clicked the link and it didn't work. I have a 1998 Fender Jazz bass with the biflex rod that is stripped.

[@canadablake]

Got the 4 mm for a stripped nut on a brand new Ibanez SA160QM (damn thing was still wrapped in plastic! WTF Ibanez?!) that I bought for my son. Works like a charm!

[@darthj_der7447]

I got a jackson js32 V. It was the same way. 1st time i set it up. I looked and the nut was stripped. Feels bad lol

[@Marshallstack3203]

@stewartmacdonald Do you make these for every size truss rod including import guitars?

[@wra7h]

How do I know which size to get? Fender mustang bass

[@JacqueRamon]

Can you use these as a replacement or only once? Mine is a 2-way rod so the nut can't come off. Can I use the gripper in replacement of the hex tool?

[@rowenlampe7426]

i ordered a 1/8 wrench and its tiny as hell, i cannot imagine a rod using this size wrench

[@buildusarocket3410]

can I use this forever or will I have to change the nut after it?

[@wrishabhwalia2980]

Hi , my truss rod grip of Cort x250 is all gone . Cannot adjust it anymore. Can you help me out with which one to buy and how

[@erwinroman4217]

Will these work on an Ibanez that has a captive hex nut? The nut isn't removable but is inside a cap.

[@zackyallen2713]

Which one would you guys recommend for Jackson necks?

[@jura3ppp]

hi....just ask, any chance to chenge the truss rod nut from squier j.b.- to - fender bullet truss rod? And remove the black colour around the truss rod from squier j.b. also? thank you :)

[@Bong_Maggz]

Question my jazz bass has a 4mm nut do i purchase a larger size or the 4mm one

[@krisitantobias]

please tell me how to buy i need it..

[@aquasoniq]

I need a right L angled gripper wrench with a short shaft, because the guitar I'm trying to adjust has a different angled cut out on the head stock (Vintage Japanese Alvarez Acoustic). Typical truss rod wrenches are L shaped, why not these Stew-Macs?

[@Satchmoeddie]

+aquasoniq They make a few short right angle Gripper wrenches. I made my own. Stewmac has trouble keeping things in stock, and a 6-13 week lead time is just totally unacceptable. I can have bespoke tools made in less time. They cost about the same too. This Stewmac stuff sells at such absurd prices, many of the tools & jigs can be custom made with your own specifications for just a little more money, and the quality will almost always be superior.

[@rubenbarahona]

1:10 No need to make tools. With a flat screwdriver you hit him with a hammer; You go through the base that separates the thread and you turn counterclockwise. With care not to ruin it

[@diri.solidariti]

You’re godsent!

[@soberlessbeats3138]

Are these still available for sale?

[@R1GAMBLER]

Any idea which size I should order for one of those starter pack guitars... China Squire Strat by Fender? The truss rod nut is completely stripped. Which Gripper Wrench & replacement nut should I order from Stew Mac? Thx!

[@agungwayne3090]

I want that.

[@DougHinVA]

and what does each one cost?

[@lynnespencer7157]

I have a esp ltd-256 fm electric guitar. The truss rod has always been very hard to turn, now it's stripped. The hex wrench size I was sent and using is a #3 however the treads are gone. There are no Luthiers where I am so I watch your video's and usually do a pretty good job on adjustments. I have a Squier Affinity Stratocaster that uses a #5 and it works fine. My question is for this esp ltd what size gripper wrench do I need to grab and re-thread the truss rod. I would like to buy maybe a #3, #4 and #5 sizes just in case I get another guitar with an in between size. Any advice/help sure is appreciated!

[@krisitantobias]

you advertise , now i need it how do i avail?

[@Metalbass1979]

I clicked on the link go check the price but the link doesn't work. My 1998 Jazz bass needs one of these......🤔

[@tankslapper4686]

Is international shipping available?

[@krisitantobias]

i bought 10 sets.. im not sure its not working properly

[@loner47ff13]

What is the name of that knot

[@RJ_HTx]

I bought it and it didn't work even though I released the tension of the strings and clamp the neck to relieve tension on the truss rod. Make your own and don't waste your money ! For example if you need a 4mm Allen key ,find a 5mm key and tapered it to your need.

[@joelanderson_t]

I got a 3/16” one for a 4mm. It’s between the 4mm and 5mm.

[@wra7h]

What tools would you need to do that

[@paintbox48]

I can't understand why the gripper tips aren't sold like a screwdriver bit to fit in one holder? Cheaper!

[@danijandolleteguitars9484]

where to buy these wrench?

[@redguitar6062]

Greetings from the UK. I've just discovered that my second hand 2009 US Strat has a worn-out nut. I bought it about 4 years ago so not much chance of a refund. My local guitar tech has washed his hands of it so I was wondering if you sell these tools abroad.

[@talkychris]

Postage about £15 to the Uk from StewMac

[@RjxSh]

I wish i have enough money to buy that, tired of playing my bass with high action

[@markschooley8544]

Didn’t work on my strat

[@tankslapper4686]

Hi ... I can’t find the product in the description and is there any other way to buy it internationally??...anyways i think I’ve messed up my allen keyholes... and i have fret buzz on my last frets... i just need to loosen it a bit ... if someone can help me please reply... would help alot...

[@stewmac]

www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Truss_Rods/Gripper_Truss_Rod_Wrenches.html

[@Savage1776_]

I ordered this and pai almost $30 and got an ALAN KEY!!! WTH???

[@donepearce]

Are these OK to use on a new, good truss rod? I want an adjuster for my Strat that is long enough to use easily.Normal Allens keys just get tangled in the strings. I'd really like it with a tee handle at the end for fine adjustment - maybe a future tool?

[@markusaurelius777]

You don't need it on a new truss rod....these are made for worn truss rods.

[@joro7656]

Somebody didn't use a too small of a hex... FENDER PROVIDED A CHEAP WRENCH WITH THE GUITAR, AS ALWAYS THEY STRIP OUT!!!!

[@lasalatv]

for stratocaster is 4mm allen nut? Thank you

[@celestial2864]

i guess its 5mm

[@joelanderson_t]

4mm with Indonesian Squier Stats I think

[@4stringplayer4u]

Where can I acquire theses tools

[@stewmac]

You can purchase these Gripper Truss Rod Wrenches through our website. Or, if you prefer to place your order over the phone, please call our toll free number (1-800-848-2273) and whomever you reach in our office would be happy to place an order for you. www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Truss_Rods/Gripper_Truss_Rod_Wrenches.html

[@dieselpower66.6]

use cheap torx and save some money 😀

[@georgelackey622]

An easy-out does the same job for a lot less!

[@tankslapper4686]

What is that plz help me... I'm in big trouble

[@georgelackey622]

@@tankslapper4686 Hello, an e-z out is a remover for a stripped screw, very common at any hardware store.

[@tankslapper4686]

@@georgelackey622 ahh....but I don't want to remove the nut i just want to turn it a bit ....will it do that??...

[@georgelackey622]

@@tankslapper4686 Only if you need to loosen it, if it is damaged it should be replaced anyway.

[@tankslapper4686]

@@georgelackey622 yes i need to loosen it....i had just bought the bass 3 months back... And i so much regret tightening the truss rod ...my strings buzz on last fret ..it is unplayable 😭

[@ASHDODMEN]

It's do nothing ! Don't loose your money

[@viperBSG]

If your not selling this anymore delete the video! I need answers not wasted time!

[@joelanderson_t]

I just ordered one today to fix my fretless Squier VM Precision Bass neck. I hope it works. Let me know if you already got one.

[@chickencreekproductions]

Hi, 10 year old video, wow :) This just happened on a sweet sweet Duesenberg Paloma of mine. Are the tools used in the video equivalent to the ones you sell as Gripper Truss Rod Wrenches? (www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/tools-by-job/tools-for-truss-rods/gripper-truss-rod-wrenches.html). The link in the video doesn’t work, I giess it’s to old :) I can’t see the ”rough” edges on the product images, so I’m a bit uncertain what to order :) Cheers // Wince

[@stewmac]

Yes, they're available here: www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/tools-by-job/tools-for-truss-rods/gripper-truss-rod-wrenches.html.