Correct size drill bit for thumb rest on a Fender?

[franzbassist]

As above, what's the correct size drill bit to fit a tug bar?

[gary mac]

Last time I fitted one, I just used a very small bit (1.5 mm or thereabouts) to start a pilot hole and then let the screw do the work. Unless the body is a very hard wood that will work just fine.

[franzbassist]

Thanks, although I should have said the body's not the issue as the holes are already there... it's the new scratchplate that needs drillin'!

[gary mac]

if no one else has answered by the morning, I will have a measure up .

[HowieBass]

When I've needed to do this kind of thing I just hold a variety of drill bits next to the screws I want to drill a hole for and select the best match (in your case I suppose that's the width of the thread).

[gary mac]

Right, just removed the tug bar from my 75 to have a look. A 3/32" drill bit is what you want. In metric I think approx .8mm

[franzbassist]

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1412147842' post='2566027']
Right, just removed the tug bar from my 75 to have a look. A 3/32" drill bit is what you want. In metric I think approx .8mm


[/quote]

Thank you!

[gary mac]

No worries, pleased to help.

[KiOgon]

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1412147842' post='2566027']
Right, just removed the tug bar from my 75 to have a look. A 3/32" drill bit is what you want. In metric I think approx .8mm


[/quote]3/32" is almost 2.5mm BTW & if you want a clearance hole in the pickguard for the screw you'll probably need 3 or 3.5mm. Is the old scratch plate already drilled? Can you try a drill through the hole/s in that?

[gary mac]

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1412160535' post='2566218']
3/32" is almost 2.5mm BTW & if you want a clearance hole in the pickguard for the screw you'll probably need 3 or 3.5mm. Is the old scratch plate already drilled? Can you try a drill through the hole/s in that?
[/quote]

John, I think it's the p/g that needs drilling.

[gary mac]

Don't know what occurred with my metric conversion, put it down to a pre caffeine brain malfunction

[KiOgon]

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1412163702' post='2566278']
John, I think it's the p/g that needs drilling.
[/quote]Yes "the new p/g" needs drilling, no mention of if there's an old one though

[franzbassist]

Hi guys, sorry for making this such a big deal!

The old p/g and the body both have holes drilled, but whoever did it obviously used too big a bit! Not a problem for the body, which was plugged and redrilled, but I want to make sure I get the new p/g holes correct.

Thanks again for all assistance.

Gareth

[gary mac]

[quote name='KiOgon' timestamp='1412169031' post='2566374']
Yes "the new p/g" needs drilling, no mention of if there's an old one though
[/quote]

That hadn't occurred to me

[quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1412170591' post='2566404']
Hi guys, sorry for making this such a big deal!

The old p/g and the body both have holes drilled, but whoever did it obviously used too big a bit! Not a problem for the body, which was plugged and redrilled, but I want to make sure I get the new p/g holes correct.

Thanks again for all assistance.

Gareth
[/quote]


No worries. Sorry if I have some how just made it all the more confusing.

The 3/32" drill bit was a nice snug fit in the holes drilled in the p/g of my 75 P.

[barkin]

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1412112957' post='2565893']
When I've needed to do this kind of thing I just hold a variety of drill bits next to the screws I want to drill a hole for and select the best match (in your case I suppose that's the width of the thread).
[/quote]

This. The holes aren't for the tugbar, or the scratchplate - they're for the screws !

[franzbassist]

3mm did the job just perfect

[gary mac]

Looking good

[KiOgon]

Glad you're sorted - looks lovely