Rusted-in saddle screws...

[solo4652]

Any tips to free rusted-in saddle screws, please? I've tried WD40, soaking the saddle in oil overnight and brute force, none of which has worked.

[franzbassist]

Soak it in a little tub of lighter fluid overnight. Obviously keeping the room well ventilated and avoid any naked flames!

Worked a treat on a 71 Precision I had.

Edited October 17, 2014 by walbassist

[Pete1967]

I'd go with the lighter fluid or maybe better soak in penetrating fluid. If its still stubborn you might be able to tease it out with a no 1 screw extractor - but I've never tried!

[KiOgon]

The saddle height screws or the intonation ones?

Whichever - after soaking in penetrating oil, not WD40 or Lighter fuel if they don't move by the appropriate screwdriver/allen key in the head, you can try gripping any portion of the thread that is protruding from the saddle enough, with a good pair of pliers or even better mole grips. If the screws are badly corroded they're going to need replacing anyway

[Phil Starr]

Corrosion can effectively 'glue' the parts together. Once they start moving a bit of judicious wiggling gets you the rest of the way. If you can remove the whole bridge from the guitar then you can apply heat. That sometimes breaks the seal. Alternatively mechanical shock can work. The trouble is with small parts you don't have to hit them hard before you break them. If they are allen keys you could try gently tapping the allen key with a pin hammer to break the seal. Gently does it though. Good luck!!

[DarkHeart]

wd40 is crap try soaking it in coke or plus gas, dont know why everyone says wd40!