Hipshot tuning machines are too tight

[annvald]

Hi
The machine heads on my Sadowsky MetroLine are too hard to turn. Anyone ever over-tightened them. Can anyone suggest how to get them to spin more easily again? Adjusting the screw in the picture does not help. My bass has Hipshot Ultralite HB6 Clover 3/8 bass tuners.

[Hellzero]

It's an hex key not a screwdriver! 😳

 

 

[Hellzero]

And they are very tight, so you better use the correct Allen (hex) key size (1/16) or you'll definitely ruin them!

[annvald]

I know there is a hex key. I simply showed this screw with a screwdriver as an illustration. I have closed and unscrewed it with a hex key, but nothing changes.

 

[ezbass]

11 minutes ago, annvald said:

I know there is a hex key. I simply showed this screw with a screwdriver as an illustration. I have closed and unscrewed it with a hex key, but nothing changes.

 

How about the screw on the large gear attached to the post itself? It might be worth removing the whole assembly to check for any binding in the ferrule too.

[annvald]

I disassembled all 5 tuning machines, wiped and relubricated them with vaseline oil. 4 pcs started working properly. The G-string machine head was too tight and could not be dismounted. It needs to be replaced.