Tech Tip: How to Install Banjo Capo Railroad Spikes at Home | Easy to Follow Process

#luthier #banjo #bluegrass #bluegrassbanjo #railroad #capo
Items needed:
Pencil
Small trim nail or tack
Gap or feeler gauge: We recommend .014 or .016
Dead blow hammer or equivalent
Small punch
Spikes (store.banjobenclark.com/produ...)
1/32" drill bit (Dremel tool is helpful)
Lemon oil (optional)
Confidence (not optional)
Shop all instrument needs: store.banjobenclark.com/
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00:00 - Intro
01:07 - What You Need
02:55 - Mark & Drill Hole
08:56 - Set Spike
11:59 - Test Spike
12:56 - Neck Support / Closing Comments

[@1flat1sharp47]

I can't imagine ever doing this to my banjo, but thanks for making it look easy!

[@willcooper7345]

Honestly, Somewhat of a mystery solved. I appreciate these videos so much for this reason! Brilliant Job Jake - as always.

[@jason_learns]

I am significantly less terrified to do this myself now. Thanks!

[@jmills60]

Excellent video Jake. I’ve been putting this off for months.

[@SteveJohnson86]

I use a manual jeweler's drill (pin vise) and just spin it in with my fingers to make the hole. It's slower but much harder to make a big mistake and it's cheap to buy one with a set of tiny drill bits if you don't have a dremel.

[@micahhutto4770]

You guys are always extremely helpful. Appreciate it

[@mikeoitzman8275]

Great video. Would have loved to see this when I install my first set of spikes. I use a flat razor blade for my gauge. I like the lemon oil to ease the spike in. I learned from Greg Deering to dress the spike top and "L" hook a bit with a file to round it before installing - this preserves the string from wearing and possibly breaking at the spike spot over time (according to Greg).

[@BanjoBen]

Yeah, that sounds like good advice. I personally do not and haven't had any snap for that reason, that I know of.

[@jamesmckelvey1232]

Very helpful, thanks 👍

[@BanjoBen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lonesomelenny7606]

Sweet video. Thank you!

[@BanjoBen]

Glad you liked it!

[@AndreasBastias]

Same process on a cello banjo? Thicker feeler gauge though I imagine

[@donaldfair4259]

Jake can we buy a neck support from the General Store ?

[@BanjoBen]

We have a small one here: store.banjobenclark.com/collections/instrument-care-maintenance/products/daddario-headstand-string-changing-stand

[@r.u.kidding8696]

What is the Spike for ?

[@BanjoBen]

To capo the 5th string when using a capo for the top 4 strings kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpe0o3tsbaepl6s

[@r.u.kidding8696]

@@BanjoBen Thanks !