Skol303 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 I've got a set of old Fender machine head bushings that I'm due to install in an equally old '70s neck. I've tried pushing them in by hand but they're a tight fit and are going to need some additional 'persuasion'. I considered tapping them with a rubber mallet, but that seemed like a bad idea. So through a bit of Googling I've come across a recommendation to push them in using a clamp (such as [url="http://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-quick-grip-6-mini-one-handed-bar-clamp/29139?kpid=29139&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CNC-hdma57wCFdShtAodlDMARw"]this one[/url]), using a dash of soap on the bushings to lubricate the process. This seems like a good method to me, but I wanted to check how the good people of Basschat typically go about this? Ta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bass Doc Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Any undue force either by mallet or clamp ain't a good idea. I've seen a fair number of cracked headstocks caused this way. Just use a round file to open up the hole a tad, trying a push fit after each pass. Hand pressure only should be sufficient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skol303 Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 [quote name='The Bass Doc' timestamp='1393329526' post='2378713'] Any undue force either by mallet or clamp ain't a good idea. I've seen a fair number of cracked headstocks caused this way. Just use a round file to open up the hole a tad, trying a push fit after each pass. Hand pressure only should be sufficient. [/quote] That's good advice! I'm going to do exactly that. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 I despise press fit bushings. I make the holes tight (without being stupid about it) because it's a pet peeve of mine when they lift out of the headstock under string tension. Hand press is therefore out of the question. Some persuasion is therefore necessary. I have malleted them in before, but as pointed out above that's a tad neanderthal and has attendant risks. I suppose a clamp would be safer as the pressure would be applied gradually, use a big caul on the bottom and a small one between the bushing and the clamp then tighten slowly. There will be cracking if the fit is stupidly tight. Short story - listen to the Doc and pay no attention to my hangups Or use tuners with screw fit bushings - which I would preferentially use in any custom scenario. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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