Can you buy a switch tightener for Gibson style guitars?

[Napthol]

You know the 3-way toggle switch that comes on my Explorer? If you want to loosen or tighten the switch some people have a tool that they put on this ring (it's a knurled ring) and it works really well to loosen or tighten the ring around the switch.

Can I buy one of those from somewhere?

I don't know the proper name for those.

Please post if you know of what I am referring to.

 

[jeremy]

they do make em, heres one example but im sure there are less expensive options

https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-too...ols/wrenches/adjustable-toggle-switch-wrench/

 

[Chris Pile]

I've been using the StewMac tool since the 80's.

 

[JamesPaul]

I have a plastic one, and as jeremy wrote, it is much less expensive. I cannot remember where I got the darn thing. I will try to track that down.

Edit: here is the plastic one. https://www.allparts.com/products/lt-4201-toggle-switch-wrench

I have nothing against StewMac. Their tools are usually an investment, and I own plenty of them myself, but they will last forever.

 

[Mincer]

I use something like this. Price is right.

 

[Securb]

I use a spanner I got for $10 years ago

 

[Chris Pile]

Don't slip....

 

[NegativeEase]

I've been using the StewMac tool since the 80's.

Why do you choose to ignore the Guitar Center tech tool of choice for this?

BTW -this is not just a Guitar Center joke or hyperbole -I've witnessed guitars suffering at the hands of a pair of channel locks for tightening or loosening machine head, jacks and siwtches in many an active visible tech bench in a guitar shop many many times.

I usually gasp and giggle as I slowly back away from the horror.

 

[Mincer]

I've also used a Guitar 5-in-1 Cube, a small specialty wrench that is great to have in a gig bag.

 

[Chris Pile]

Why do you choose to ignore the Guitar Center tech tool of choice for this?

Once or twice I've been tempted.... But I usually reserve those for adjusting the testicles of difficult clients.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Rubber jawed pliers will do it too.

 

[GuitarDoc]

I use the StewMac tool a lot. Works great. I'm sure the plastic one would strip out and not be useful at all after just a few times of using it. The other suggestions, especially the channel locks, will scratch the finish of your guitar if not used very carefully. The StewMac one will not, it never touches the finish. In my mind (and because I use it so much on my custom guitars) it is well worth the extra cost/investment/security.

 

[jeremy]

stewmac does tend to be a little pricey, and their shipping costs drive nuts if i just need something small and cheap, but the stuff they sell is usually good quality and has distinct purpose. theres a reason they stay in business

 

[Artie]

I've also used a Guitar 5-in-1 Cube, a small specialty wrench that is great to have in a gig bag.

That's cool. Where did you find that at?

Edit: Nevermind. Google search for "guitar 5-in-1 cube" brought up lots of hits.

 

[Aceman]

Wow.

I have found a simple pair of needle nose pliers has worked my whole life....And I believe I shall continue using them.

 

[Mincer]

That's cool. Where did you find that at?

Edit: Nevermind. Google search for "guitar 5-in-1 cube" brought up lots of hits.

Yeah, I've had mine for a few years. I use it for lots of stuff. It is great for pulling knobs off, too.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Wow.

I have found a simple pair of needle nose pliers has worked my whole life....And I believe I shall continue using them.

Easy way to scratch your finish. Even channel locks would be better...they won't slip off as easily.

 

[Aceman]

Easy way to scratch your finish. Even channel locks would be better...they won't slip off as easily.

I guess I'm just amazing then, because in 45 years of Les Paul styles I have never scratched the finish.

Damn people, just be careful for a second. How tight do you need those things to be??? Finger tight usually works. No tool needed.

 

[Mr. 80's]

Wow.

I have found a simple pair of needle nose pliers has worked my whole life....And I believe I shall continue using them.

I've always used needle noses as well for stubborn ones. I always just use my fingers otherwise by holding the nut and spinning the switch from behind to tighten. Just need to start where the switch will be where you want it when finally tightened. Once finger tight it just needs a little tiny bit of a turn from behind to snug tight. Very simple since they don't need much force to get properly tightened. They have never worked their way loose either.