Need a metric wrench.

[Chris Pile]

I have a new Squier Jaguar on the bench and the truss rod nut is deep in the neck. It requires a 3.5mm allen key, but the normal L-shaped ones won't work. I have some specialty wrenches which each leg the same length, but they are SAE. Anyone know a source? Would Fender service have one?

 

[jeremy]

i know fender used to have long L shaped ones, both legs were almost the same length

 

[GuitarDoc]

https://www.amazon.com/Beta-Torque-Handle-Wrench-Hexagon/dp/B00GTV1ALM/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1MEAFR1806E26&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-uf8NHntq2JD2qfPyQdLhwaSb1AFhzjiqRAi_UreNSsWpo_5ylET5pjbqvJf7RPM5f3EaYBb-eunun7ahxlSau7G-DGQ9JWrPsbpUiaePhtOb2nan3ao1fFad3VWXxPltIjrZXnazOHF2jb0vMLq2SaBgSC_k5E2BUK-Ta2XRM4kC-y9h1wu-Nv7y1519QtSCQ4JZ_a5Lhta2l_E_IokMj7HEyRf6FQvX_L39CZPJrcmsM3z8WbbdbnuMA5J4Zs_nlT4uafGk2Y5U2sjdLkUO_H5yFqV16svuMDsyLMx5yI.fKWc1rUg3DglV7cyQbOnKQpnJ0j6660C_3mWgaJf2Gg&dib_tag=se&keywords=3.5mm%2Bhex%2Bwrench&qid=1771178341&sprefix=3.5mm%2Bhex%2Bwrench%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[idsnowdog]

I bought a set of long handled T shaped wrenches.

 

[Chris Pile]

I have MULTIPLE sets of allen wrenches. NONE have a 3.5mm.

 

[Mincer]

I have MULTIPLE sets of allen wrenches. NONE have a 3.5mm.

Is that like a weird size or something, or do most sets generally not have half sizes?

 

[Sam SG]

I flip an allen the longway and use vise grips to turn the short end.

 

[Chris Pile]

Is that like a weird size or something, or do most sets generally not have half sizes?

2.5mm is common. I checked multiple tool store websites, and none have a 3.5mm in a set. I can order one from Kobalt (Lowes) for $8, but it doesn't provide the lengths of the legs. I am going to a specialty tool store south of town tomorrow... They have all manner of offbeat, rare, and unusual tools.

 

[Sam SG]

If ya got a regular 3.5 you can allways clamp it in a vise and heat it with a torch( blow torch or map gas) till it glows and bend it to the shape you need.
When I was a mechanic I have several " specialty" boxend wrenchs like that.

 

[Chris Pile]

First I need the 3.5 wrench. Good call, though - I used to buy cheap wrenches at the pawn shop to cut up and have welded into new shapes, etc. to fit into tight places. If you can't buy it - make it.

 

[playas]

You´ll find one easily on amazon, like the link Guitardoc posted.

"3.5mm allen key"

...also any European hardware shop (outside of the UK) that will send to the US, as metric is the standard over here.

 

[GuitarDoc]

3.5mm is not really a rare size either individually or in a set. I have a set that is every half mm from 1.5 - 6, then an 8 and 10.

What IS rare is the need for a 3.5mm.

 

[Chris Pile]

What IS rare is the need for a 3.5mm.

Agreed. This is the first guitar I've had on my bench that used one. I've got a bunch of tools I've only used once or twice in 45 years - but they are sure handy to have when I need them.

One high dollar tool that leaps to mind is an extra long truss rod tool for Rickenbackers. Had it since the early 80's, and used it less than 10 times.

 

[Chris Pile]

Problem solved, but not without more frustration. Drove down to the specialty tool store, and they had 3 of the wrenches in stock. Bought all 3 for less than five dollars. Good brand - Bondhus. If they worked I would save one, give one to the client, and give the last one to a friend in the business who might need it.

The wrench fit loosely, not quite fitting the flats properly. So I took one of my 4mm wrenches and started polishing down 3 adjacent flats to get it down to size. 3.9mm works perfectly. Loose production standards strike again.

Letting it sit overnight under tension with new strings, and will complete the setup tomorrow. This wasn't the adventure I wanted, but that was never promised me. Perseverance pays off.

 

[jeremy]

weird that it would be off that much, but cest la vie

 

[Securb]

I had the same problem. I bought one with a long shaft and a screw driver handle just for my MIM Fenders and my imports. Love it I need to get something similar for the Gibsons.

 

[Chris Pile]

weird that it would be off that much, but cest la vie

I've been dealing with messed up specs since the late 70's. Brand doesn't matter - if your tolerances are loose, expect them to swing from low to high. Detroit is no different.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Problem solved, but not without more frustration. Drove down to the specialty tool store, and they had 3 of the wrenches in stock. Bought all 3 for less than five dollars. Good brand - Bondhus. If they worked I would save one, give one to the client, and give the last one to a friend in the business who might need it.

The wrench fit loosely, not quite fitting the flats properly. So I took one of my 4mm wrenches and started polishing down 3 adjacent flats to get it down to size. 3.9mm works perfectly. Loose production standards strike again.

Letting it sit overnight under tension with new strings, and will complete the setup tomorrow. This wasn't the adventure I wanted, but that was never promised me. Perseverance pays off.

I've had that same kind of problem where I had to lightly file down an existing wrench to fit. Poor QC, or too wide of specs. Can be frustrating. At least you didn't pay much for those 3.5mm wrenches. And maybe you'll ACTUALLY need them someday.

 

[Bill Dennis]

I have a new Squier Jaguar on the bench and the truss rod nut is deep in the neck. It requires a 3.5mm allen key, but the normal L-shaped ones won't work. I have some specialty wrenches which each leg the same length, but they are SAE. Anyone know a source? Would Fender service have one?

Harbor Freight