How to check and replace your guitar strap button - best method

[@tonepilot]

I’ve done many repairs using the dowel method but never thought of cutting glue slots in the dowel. Great tip.

[@bradmerilic6848]

Agreed.

[@james6028]

if youre doing a bunch it might be worth making a fluting jig. all you need is some scrap wood with a couple screws protruding into a hole the same size as your dowel

[@alphagt62]

I’ve saved the day once or twice by shoving paper matches in the hole and putting the screw back, while at band practice or a gig. But if I’m at my work bench, the dowel trick is the best. I had a P Bass and wasn’t happy with the position of the top strap pin, I filled the hole with epoxy and drilled a new hole where I wanted it. Some paint touch up and it was perfect. Thanks for a great tech tip video!

[@mica_micasa]

What i like most, is listening to the melodic talking of Dan Erlewine. I really like that. 🙂👍🏻

[@rifficide]

Blake's doing a great job and watching Dan butcher that pencil into a cool repair was fantastic. Love these videos so much. Please keep 'em coming.

[@fequalsma8428]

I love Stewmac guitar maintenance and repair videos!

[@BasementGAS]

Fantastic introduction. Made me laugh a hell of a lot

[@ludlowfalls8856]

Great Video! A friend of mine had an electric acoustic guitar that had the input jack about 6 inches below the back strap button, his strap slipped off, the guitar crashed to the floor and drove the 1/4" cable and jack into the guitar! after that happened to him, I put strap locks on all my guitars.

[@RobMods]

Personally, I would have waited til the bigsby was back in place before using the centre punch, just in case the dowel wasn't perfectly positioned. But nice video as usual. Cheers!

[@GrimYak]

I really want to do this but I don't have a StewMac screwdriver to remove the screw with :(

[@TempoDrift1480]

Well you better get out your checkbook.

[@codyreed9795]

Probably better keep practicing or get a day job

[@DemnRaig80]

Shiity Joke only 41 people got.

[@DragonofLimerick]

I literally just did the strap buttons on 2 of my guitars four minutes before watching this video, what a riot!!

[@SlimSlashie]

"Sometimes straight from the factory" cough GIBSON. But I use straplocks so I only notice it when I'm taking them off and putting quality parts on. Excellent video as always.

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

Thank you. This is exactly what I was talking about when it came to cheap/free tips. You guys are definitely on the right direction.

[@MrWilkat1]

I get a kick out of watching these clips since I've retired. I did so many over the years. But, it's always good to see them and remember. Dan is the man and the first guy I learned from many moons ago when his repair articles were featured in Guitar Player and later Bass Player magazines. When I launched my guitar biz I'd already learned so much from him but you can never stop learning and there's often a new way to do something so I intend to stay tuned in. After all, I still have my guitars to maintain. :-)

[@mobbinator]

"Today I've got a screw loose" that made me laugh way more than I should have

[@reineh3477]

I heard that everyone have a screw loose. Those who don't believe it has two

[@michaelpthompson]

These young guys are good, but I still look forward to a good Dan Erlewine video.

[@stevehenry8274]

Great videos as always from Stew Mac - @Rob Mods. I agree, you can also install the Bigsby and use a self centering drill bit (commonly used for installing door hinges) they have a sleeve and tapered tip that the drill bit travels through to always center the drill bit in the hole.

[@dschamplin]

That pencil trick was mind blowing !

[@bobvines00]

I haven't had screw threads strip out yet, but I did install strap locks for peace of mind. Now I know my guitar won't be falling off of the strap onto the floor. ;)

[@rainerklama6365]

This was great, especially the use of a pencil.Thank you for that.

[@asepsetiapermana]

Friend : "OMG, my strap button is loose!!" Me : "Okay, let's buy a new guitar"

[@tjnugent62]

I love watching these types of repairs and learn every time. I haven't totally warmed up to strap locks, I use the Ernie Ball Polylock Straps. They are easy to get on and off and are a solid way to secure your guitar without any modification what so ever. With Straplocks, you have to use a straplock strap or you can't put the guitar on a normal strap. That is where they fall off for me.

[@colehara]

I love these videos. Always learning something.

[@billygoatct]

Love your videos, and could watch them 24/7. Would love to visit the shop someday. CHEERS from Toledo, ohio. 🍻🐐

[@rollomaughfling380]

4-pack of Grolsch gives you 2 guitars' worth of the rubber washers (and a nice buzz).

[@TempoDrift1480]

4? What, are we having breakfast?

[@tyleraho2485]

Wiser words were never spoken.

[@brostoevsky22]

I have the Grolsch locks too. They work like a charm. Plus the beer was good. I need to make a wine bottle neck slide now.

[@rollomaughfling380]

@@brostoevsky22 With a simple glass cutter, some plywood, and a bit of indie engineering, you could turn a hand drill into a lathe, apply different grades of sandpaper/polish and do it in a day!

[@Jamie_Wilson]

Jorge Masvidal knows his way around a guitar too! Neat!

[@alm000]

So drywall anchors are not recommended, LOL Really cool guys this could have saved my first guitar, :)

[@jdubs78]

Great. Now you tell me! Lol.

[@TempoDrift1480]

You didn't have brains enough to figure that out? Some of these videos seem like they're geared towards up and coming shops but I wouldn't recommend taking a guitar to someone who has to be taught something so simple as fixing a stripped hole in a piece of wood.

[@alm000]

@@TempoDrift1480 In all fairness I was like 6 years old, otherwise I totally agree with your point, Adults should not need this common sense lesson but the reality is a lot do, my comment was more a joke and show of support for the channel. Seems your the 2nd fastening aficionado I've encountered in this comment section, the first one was an expert on drywall anchors, hence the reference... This seems to be another one of those woosh moments :)

[@alm000]

@@jdubs78 LOL ;)

[@TheAxe4Ever]

I used this exact method to fix 2 neck screws that stripped out on my bolt on neck guitar. Better than new!

[@SarasotaRainBarrels]

I keep golf tees on hand for fixing stripped screw holes, just tap them in and cut it flush. Works really well on door hinges and striker plates.

[@ObjectiveDynamics]

I always keep a supply of frozen prawns around in case I need to fix some engine mountings. Just hammer em in with a little chilli and epoxy and we're good to go :D

[@garymitchell5899]

"We sell all these things and they're not outlandishly expensive.."

[@murfbass]

But it's StewMac. How do I make these two statement make sense?

[@gund2281]

@Dumb Robot you do not need years of experience to do this. This is wood shop 101 stuff.

[@sawyermoe2348]

@@murfbass They are not outlandish, just regular expensive

[@bradmerilic6848]

The easiest fix for a strap button is just to ram a toothpick in and break it off once or twice. I think he even mentioned it. Far from "professional," but it's easy as hell and works.

[@chocolatecookie8571]

3:44 Do you have StewMac cotton swabs available too? 😛

[@10000rambos]

Do you guys sell Q-Tips?

[@thenextstepp]

Complete with fuzzy stuff!

[@georges8348]

Thanks for the crushed pencil! I'll be putting that hole filling idea away for a rainy day.

[@countblue]

I had that problem repeatedly with used guitars. Slightly loose or bad strap buttons. My quick solution was sticking some wood chips from matchsticks into the hole and a bit of glue, let it settle and dry, then screw the button in again. Usually it sits tight after that.

[@murfbass]

I coulda sworn that guy just made reference to these StewMac products as "not outlandishly expensive." It must be some Zen riddle.

[@dba4292]

So glad I found StewMac's website and YT channel. I'm set now : )

[@LouisGuitarable]

Same technique for the neck strap button on my Larrivee?

[@rasmusolesen5307]

I always keep a pack of wooden toothpicks and wood glue at hand when messing with mounted guitar parts :)

[@lawrencegenereux8567]

I have that exact set in my repair kit. It's never let me down. I've found that if you put the glue and toothpicks into the hole and immediately instal the screw, when the glue dries it and the toothpick wood form a screw thread around the screw. It's been totally reliable for me, and that includes holding into an Ibanez 6/12 doubleneck and a Conklin 7 string bass, both heavy beasts.

[@ObjectiveDynamics]

@@lawrencegenereux8567 same here. Hardwood toothpicks and white glue's always done the trick for me

[@Bliggick]

Any suggestions for the strap button on the upper horn on a semi-acoustic? I suspect there was no extra block of wood glued in on the inside for the screw to grab onto and the screw only had the thin wall of the body to thread against and of course it failed. Here is my non-professional idea for a fix, open to discussion: Remove loose button and screw. Thread a heavy duty knitting needle with heavy duty thread and drop it in the screw hole and grab the needle when it dangles by the f-hole. I just got these pure cedar moth balls that I bet one would fit in nicely in the inside of that upper horn. Drill a hole into the moth ball and test it with the screw to make sure it's right. Remove the screw and sand the area around the hole flatter if you think it's necessary. Hammer in the needle centered and so it will hold with only a few pounds of pull. Apply some Tight Bond glue around the screw hole of the moth ball. Now drop the ball into the f-hole and pull on the thread until the ball is up against the inside wall. Invert the guitar so the headstock (and screw-hole) is down. Attach a weight of a couple of pounds to dangle on the thread to pull on the needle and to press the glue on the moth ball to the inside wall. Make sure the needle appears to be centered in the screw hole and allow the glue to set and dry. When the glue is dry use pliers to grab the needle and very carefully pull it out while supporting the outside wall of the upper horn. Screw in the strap button and screw. Will it work?

[@picolete]

I always add a little bit of soap or parafine to the screws before the screwing

[@habsetz]

Why?

[@marcelillo123]

It will make the screw easier to come off again.

[@stewmac]

It also will help you not accidentally break the screw.

[@leereyno]

Strap locks for the win!

[@caljerm]

chopsticks work pretty good

[@Shiba.Inu.Elon2024]

Wow Nice video very good

[@heebahobba5838]

Would the pencil trick work with the end pin on an acoustic guitar, in order to install a locking strap button in it's place?

[@bassdale17]

A slightly smaller drill bit give the screw threads something to bite into and glue on the screw acts as a lube and dose a hold job when cured.

[@reineh3477]

I learned the same thing many years ago

[@keithlutz4842]

What kind of glue was used? Would Elmer's wood glue be sufficient, or is there a better alternative?

[@horatiusilasi3796]

Both of my basses had this issue brand new. Is ash too soft and the screw for the strap pin on Fenders too short?

[@brentgilbert4208]

I have a Gretsch Tennessee Rose, with a loose 1/4" jack. Do you have a video, or recommendation on the proper way to tighten it? Thanks!

[@billnelson9413]

Just did the toothpick thing on a Gretsch White Falcon before last nights’s gig. Seems good but I should probably do this because it’s a nice guitar I use a lot. I didn’t use any glue so it should be easy.

[@DandyDoesIt]

I just dip toothpicks in Elmer's glue, break em off in the hole and that's it. I also permanently affix my straps by using an oversized washer.

[@DemnRaig80]

Question: Is there a particular reason you need to let the glue completely dry? Before screwing in the strap button? And is there a particular reason to make a pilot hole? Im thinking too much pressure? Maybe could split the original hole and cause more damage? Thank You.

[@RW-ob4en]

Excellent

[@marcthacker4walls]

Excellent 👍

[@christianboddum8783]

The screws on Schaller straplocks, and others, are typically slimmer than what was in there first, so always check if you need to plug the hole before installing straplocks, or they won't be much help 😉

[@jdubs78]

Great video! I want to know how you guys knew my 81 standard had a stripped strap button hole though? Lol.

[@RobCabreraCh]

My brand new Epiphone Sheraton has a loose strap button. I've had it for only a few days and it's already woobly.

[@MegaPauloViana]

AM FROM BRAZIL WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF PRA CHANGE LES PAUL'S ARM RIBBON WITHOUT TAKING OUT THE TREST

[@pepticon]

had similar situation few month ago. I just use some tape on the screw. good for temporary fix.

[@thegee-tahguy4877]

but, But, BUT.... you didn't even mention that there may be a loose ground wire coming through a hole behind the Bigsby mounting area by the strap button. DIYers, if you see the end of a wire when you pull the Bigsby off, you need to MAKE ABSOLUTE CERTAIN it doesn't fall into the guitar. It's not just some stupit wiah! This is the wire that allows you to keep your guitar's annoying hum down when you touch the strings or any metal on the guitar. I guess StewMac doesn't want you to know about it. All I can say is Thank You StewMac... MORE WORK FOR ME! Totally appreciate it.

[@kayakingforthebirds2506]

What in the world are you complaining about now? There's no wire in the video. Nobody tried to hide anything from us. I'm sure they could make an hours long video on what we might find when we start messing with a guitar, but that isn't the point here.

[@robinleebraun7739]

All woodworkers know that if you screw into the end grain of any kind of wood, the screw won’t hold for long, especially under stress. What guitar makers should do is drill out a larger area and insert a plug that is turned sideways, making the grain perpendicular to the direction of the screw. If that plug is glued properly, it will NEVER come loose.

[@Dan-sb2fb]

oh thank god he's still alive

[@KowboyUSA]

That's sure a pretty Epiphone.

[@dalemoskalyk1227]

Why pull the entire Bigsby off? I ain't got one but, loosen the strings, undo the screws by the button, leave the deck ones in??? Don't get it seems like a lot more work.

[@ilostmymind47]

Nice video I enjoyed it very much

[@charmlessman1]

In college I once fixed a loose strap peg with a piece of a Q-Tip stick. Just shoved it in there with some wood glue and it stayed there for years until I sold the guitar.

[@ObjectiveDynamics]

So it was you! Strap came off on the first gig. Damn guitar broke my toe when it fell

[@davidposthumus2107]

Thanks for this video! I have a slightly different problem. I want to put strap locks on my Tele, but the original strap button is stuck. Maybe they installed it while the finish was still drying. I can get the screw out fine, it's just the strap button is stuck. Is there a safe way to get a stuck strap button off without damaging the finish? Thanks for your help!

[@bradmerilic6848]

Damn, that's a new one, but sounds like you're exactly right. The put the damn strap button on before the finish was even dry. That's insane, and goes to show you how much the "just crank em out" attitude has permeated everything. Sigh... You can try heating it up with a hair dryer. Idk if I'd go as far as using a heat gun. That might get a little too hot. Other than that, maybe see if you can get some dental floss under it at all. If you're lucky one side might not be QUITE flush, and if you can get the dental floss under it, use it like a saw. That's all I can think of though.

[@james6028]

probably too late but id try scoring around the button with a scalpel

[@StevePietras]

LOL! It's funny to see this as I use the same method for repairing cabinet door hinges.

[@RobCabreraCh]

Great video! I do have a question, how can I install strap locks on a guitar where the strap button itself is one of the screws on the bolt-on assembly?

[@TempoDrift1480]

Really? You are gonna have to put it somewhere else. Hanging a guitar off a neck bolt is just gonna make it want to face the floor. You need to put it up on the bout so it's balanced when you let it go. You ever played an SG before and let go of it? That's because the strap button is on the back by the neck joint. A Strat or a Les Paul won't do that because it's balanced.

[@RobCabreraCh]

@@TempoDrift1480 Haha funny you mention the SG, the guitar I'm talking about is an Epiphone SG G-310. The strap button is one of the bolts that holds the body to the neck. I've never considered just putting a new strap button on the horn, but Tony Iommi did exactly that.

[@bulldogtonyyt1116]

I've got a LTD Viper I plan on doing just that! The current button is midway up the horn on the back side! I'd recommend using a flat face cutting bit to make a small flat surface for the button to sit against on the end of the horn and mount it there!

[@ernesto_longhi]

Stewmac videos always show a litle bit more. Like the issues (and solutions) with straps...

[@RayJayJrUke]

Why did you use the length of the threads on the screw to determine the depth of the hole to drill and not account for the button and thickness of the endplate?

[@ProphetForProfit]

He didn't. He marked it by putting the dowel in the guitar. He did say you could, though, and you're right that it wouldn't be the best.

[@belo1971]

How to do with thinline telecaster please ? Regards

[@stewmac]

Hi Belo! Same method shown here works great on a thinline telecaster as well!

[@denniswalsh8476]

AND..... repair the hole, then use longer screws. Screws only 1/4 to 3/8 inches longer are far less likely to enlarge the hole again. Also, checking every once in a while to be sure the buttons are tight. If they back off, even a little, it is far more likely they will enlarge the holes. Also, a little glue on the screw usually helps keep it tight but still isn't a problem to remove if necessary.

[@denniswalsh8476]

Oh yeah, 100 % strap locks.

[@rubencriviDT]

Nice background music! And keep going up the good content!

[@marcionobrega5117]

Adorei parabéns 🙋🙋🙋

[@discoministerify]

I once broke a screw on my Gibson ES-137 stapbutton. What a nightmare! The leftover of the screw was about 2mm out and finally I got a grap of it with some plummers pliers and turned it out. I blame poor quality ebay chinese screw and myself for putting some super glue on it.

[@12south31]

Just a tip for beginners, you want your strap button tight but DO NOT over tighten when screwing it in or you will strip out the hole.

[@james6028]

you have to tighten it till it starts to feel loose then back off a quarter turn. perfect every time

[@12south31]

@@james6028 If it starts to feel loose it's already started to strip the hole! Might stay tight for awhile but won't last as long as one that didn't start to strip during installation

[@james6028]

haha i was just kidding. defo dont follow my instructions!

[@Pgcmoore]

outstanding!

[@GrumpyTy34er]

I have never thought to use a pencil for that. That said, I have used the dowel method a lot

[@kwgm8578]

Dan. Thank you. Mine came out of the tail of an ES-339. Frankly, I'm surprised and disappointed with Gibson.

[@TempoDrift1480]

Everything from Stew Mac is outlandishly expensive so much so that it's become pop culture in the community of guitar workers. I spent $58 on a Les Paul wire kit and when I got it I rolled my eyes at the quality of it. My 9 year old daughter even noticed... "This stuff doesn't look much better than what's in there?" And for a little girl to notice that, that says a lot. I actually used the existing switch in the guitar because it was a higher quality and didn't stick out to the point you have to drill a hole in the case to shut it. I understand a lot of our products are made over seas with questionable quality and I've come to accept that fact however that same switch is available for under 2 dollars and it really bugs me that it would be included with 4 $3 pots and about 60 cents worth of wire. I pay less than that per foot of number 12 THHN wire that I pull through industrial factories. Ya know that's in response to the "outlandishly expensive" claim... You gotta be kidding right?

[@mtlmark75]

Wizzle yeah their tools are nice and not bad but you can get the pots caps and wire on eBay much cheaper, and get good stuff like cts and Bourns for the same price

[@TempoDrift1480]

@@mtlmark75 Yeah I discovered EBay since I made that comment.

[@b4a9ksy]

Oak dowel I assume?

[@chris61981]

Actually the best way is just to put a screw screw a washer. It holds on all the bands I work for's guitars

[@yanis_taleb]

t's really beautiful, well played! and good continuation ! I am also a pianist and I make some videos;) have a good day !

[@ObjectiveDynamics]

I'll have some of whatever you're on please :D

[@thevileirish6764]

I got 45 seconds into this before I walked over to check my guitar and sure enough they were a little loose...

[@moonchild4806]

"It's not outlandishly expensive" Lmao

[@joythemountisland]

I use the third strongest material on earth after vibranium & adamantium; baking soda+super glue

[@thisperfectworld]

Schtripped schtrap button repair? Don't forget to drill schtraight!

[@feral91_]

It's a good video, but, to make it simple, grab one or two toothpicks and put some glue on them. Get them inside the strap hole, cut what's left, screw back in, you're done.

[@icebankmicelf]

Thats functional but not as secure as the dowel approach, hence the video

[@Metal1ngus]

Pro Tip: When you're running a busy repair shop and don't have an hour to let the wood glue dry...use super glue instead. It drys instantly and much harder/stronger than wood glue. And you don't need wood dowels, tooth picks are fine and save you even more time. Time is money Dan!

[@elonmust7470]

A bigger plug is better... I'd have gone larger given that the work is hidden anyhow.

[@johnsmith-so5do]

I just replaced my old strap locks with “ the new style” ones ...

[@smittenthekitteninmittens2679]

is it just me or is the tuneomatic on backwards? well i think it was before it was removed for the fix...fake Chibsons often have this

[@StupidEarthlings]

Wonder if Dam writes his own material. Sounds a lil forced. Lol. ;)

[@Iam_Dunn]

Eat StewMac ‘n Cheese .... :)

[@thehowlingterror]

3/16 5/32. ho-hum.

[@chefkdowg]

I have strap locks on all my guitars.

[@The_Fat_Turtle]

Even if you are on a serious budget, you can buy Schaller style Chinese strap-locks for under two dollars. I bought 5 sets off of eBay and cost me around $10 with free shipping (just takes a month minimum to show up). I put some serious pressure on the first set to see if I could break it free before installing on the guitar and they are just the same as the originals. I normally don't mind paying more money to support the real deal companies, but some people might have to save as much as possible but still want to secure their guitar.

[@adamsmith13real]

I bought a ruined acoustic guitar and restored it. Someone had the audacity to drew a huge bolt through it as a strap button and even that was loose. The hole was a lot bigger than any screw which could fit through the strap button too, so I made a cylinder out of aluminum foil, superglued it into the hole and put the screw in, while it was also smeared with glue. Works like a fuckin charm.

[@emck7225]

Except you can't get it out though.

[@icebankmicelf]

I feel for the guy who has to repair that.... Terrible approach

[@james6028]

the stuff people shove into their guitars! the one video on yt that shows how it should be done properly and all the comments are people saying you can just use toothpicks you know!!

[@PeachIceCreamy]

“I’d like to invite you to subscribe to our channel” >invite

[@yungmophead]

Get to the point

[@MikeGervasi]

The fuzzy stuff? It's called "cotton"

[@vitreous_luster]

Actually, it's felt. Probably synthetic, possibly wool. Nice try though.

[@elonmust7470]

@@vitreous_luster no, it's cotton...