Dunlop Strap Lock Quality fading?

[Securb]

I have been using Dunlop for years. They are installed on so many of my guitars and straps that it is a bit too late to change brands. I have been noticing on the last couple of installs the screws are now very cheap soft metal. You have maybe one shot to get them in. If you have to back them out and go back in they are pretty much stripped. The rest of the products seem to be the same quality. Some bean-counter probably saved 5 cents a unit swapping to the cheaper screws. Next straplock install I will go to the hardware store to get some real-deal steel screws. I just feel like some of these companies are nickel and diming us to death.

The one thing they did do I love is you can now buy the strap pins without buying the whole system.

 

[JMP/HBE]

They've always been that way. One shot is right.
The key is to get the correct phillips head the first time.
I always change the ball bearing part at least once a year.

 

[Securb]

I always change the ball bearing part at least once a year.

Intresting, I have some that must be 20 years old and not swapped out. I do have to oil the bearings here and there, but I have never had a set fail.

 

[jeremy]

i keep a strap on each guitar so almost never take em off. never had an issue

 

[JMP/HBE]

Intresting, I have some that must be 20 years old and not swapped out. I do have to oil the bearings here and there, but I have never had a set fail.

Its a precautionary measure i replace the ball bearing part as thats whats gonna fail.
Putting oil on those isnt a great idea as the oil will act as a cutting agent. IE Machinist "cutting oil."
You dont want to make that connection any more slippery than it is.

 

[ErikH]

I have a couple sets and not had any problems.

 

[ehdwuld]

One set I put on my Carvin bass failed in a unique way

My buddy had purchased it some time back

And left it on a stand in the Livingroom because, gorgeous,

At some point we're think an animal peed on it

The release pin wouldn't let the strp go

It took about a month of tinkering with it to remove the entire assembly

The two parts never separated

 

[Chistopher]

I'm usually live and let live when it comes to strap locks, but I'll never understand picking Dunlop over Schaller, especially with the new S Locks

 

[Securb]

I'm usually live and let live when it comes to strap locks, but I'll never understand picking Dunlop over Schaller, especially with the new S Locks

I have always found Dunlop easier to put on and take off when switching guitars especially live.

 

[80's_Thrash_Metal]

I agree with Chris, Schaller S locks are the best. I wouldn't trust anything else.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Schaller all the way. I've got them on about 50 of my guitars. I've tried a couple sets of Dunlop and didn't like them at all...I mean I actually hated them. Personally, I thought they were MUCH more difficult to put on and take off than the Schaller locks.

If you're hooked to the Dunlop, I totally agree about getting better screws. But do yourself a favor and don't nickel and dime yourself...get stainless steel screws. They are way stronger, will last a lifetime of screwing in and out (ok you guys, get your minds out of the gutter), are nice and shiny, and won't corrode.

 

[maug2122]

I have been using Dunlop for years. They are installed on so many of my guitars and straps that it is a bit too late to change brands. I have been noticing on the last couple of installs the screws are now very cheap soft metal. You have maybe one shot to get them in. If you have to back them out and go back in they are pretty much stripped. The rest of the products seem to be the same quality. Some bean-counter probably saved 5 cents a unit swapping to the cheaper screws. Next straplock install I will go to the hardware store to get some real-deal steel screws. I just feel like some of these companies are nickel and diming us to death.

The one thing they did do I love is you can now buy the strap pins without buying the whole system.

A friend of mine got a Gibson Flying V and the paint job was horrible.
Schaller's version of the Floyd Rose has declined, sent it back and got a Gotoh trem.
​​​​​​​I noticed that Dunlops strap locks have gone down hill. The feel like aluminum with zinc .

 

[Securb]

Schaller/Dunlop is the same as the Coke/Pepsi, Chevy/Ford, and Gibson/Fender debates; both are great products. It just comes down to preference and familiarity.

 

[ehdwuld]

Dunlop will on occasion let go if not connected properly

 

[Securb]

Dunlop will on occasion let go if not connected properly

Is that when the ball bearings freeze?

 

[ErikH]

Regardless of choice, they both need regular maintenance to function as they should for a long time. Schallers need a small amount of grease in the cup every now and then to keep the cup moving freely or it could have increased friction and cause the strap button to loosen with regular movement. With the Dunlops, same thing, a little bit of grease on the ball bearings to keep things moving. Even Vaseline works. Doesn’t take much.

 

[JMP/HBE]

Regardless of choice, they both need regular maintenance to function as they should for a long time. Schallers need a small amount of grease in the cup every now and then to keep the cup moving freely or it could lose friction and cause the strap button to loosen with regular movement. With the Dunlops, same thing, a little bit of grease on the ball bearings to keep things moving. Even Vaseline works. Doesn’t take much.

Last thing i wanna do w/a $5K 10lb LP is lube the only connection point holding it up LOL.

 

[Securb]

Last thing i wanna do w/a $5K 10lb LP is lube the only connection point holding it up LOL.

Last thing I wanna do w/a $5K 10lb LP is not maintain the only connection point holding it up. I lube my strap locks when needed also.

 

[JMP/HBE]

po-tate-to / po-tot-toe

 

[solspirit]

po-tate-to / po-tot-toe

Wrong,
potato is singular / potatoes are plural.

What you mean is, potato/potato.