Threaded inserts for direct mount?

[nexion218]

Does any of you use them? What would be the right process? I have a guitar in which the mounting screws keep stripping the wood and I'm tired of filling and re-drilling...

 

[GuitarDoc]

Threaded inserts work great, better than screwing directly into the wood, because they won't strip like wood and because it is easier to find the hole when putting the pup in (especially P-90s). There are different types available...knurled/press fit or screw-in. I like the screw-in type better, they seem to be more secure and are easier to replace if needed. But if your wood is stripped it is very easy/cheaper just to repair the wood (drill & fill).

 

[nexion218]

Threaded inserts work great, better than screwing directly into the wood, because they won't strip like wood and because it is easier to find the hole when putting the pup in (especially P-90s). There are different types available...knurled/press fit or screw-in. I like the screw-in type better, they seem to be more secure and are easier to replace if needed. But if your wood is stripped it is very easy/cheaper just to repair the wood (drill & fill).

For some reason this particular guitar's wood ("mahogany" as per Jackson, so probably more like "wood of the day") is pretty brittle. I have filled it many times and it still keeps stripping, so I had enough... My idea was to find a small enough insert, fix it in place with CA or epoxy and never worry about it again. I might even try a short spring to aid the foam. As I am not proficient in woodworking, this idea seemed like the more "idiot/rookie safe" solution...

 

[Mincer]

I like inserts better too, but I've never installed them myself. I'd be interested to try, though. Where do you get them?

 

[nexion218]

I like inserts better too, but I've never installed them myself. I'd be interested to try, though. Where do you get them?

Just found this, sadly doesn't go into the details of thr installation. In the comments he lists the components with links. Not much help for me in Europe, but might be useful to you .

https://www.projectguitar.com/tutor...le-pickup-mounting-with-threaded-inserts-r77/

 

[Mincer]

Those look great! I will do some more reading about them to see if it is something I can tackle. Thanks!

 

[Artie]

Rockler is a good source for all things wood related. https://www.rockler.com/e-z-knife-threaded-insert-for-hard-wood-brass-pack-of-25

 

[Mincer]

What size to get for regular pickup screws?

 

[nexion218]

What size to get for regular pickup screws?

The one I linked uses 2-56, but he says its a bit smaller than regular not to catch the threads of the mounting tab

 

[Mincer]

The one I linked uses 2-56, but he says its a bit smaller than regular not to catch the threads of the mounting tab

It looks like he didn't use stock screws though, unless I am misinterpreting it.

 

[nexion218]

It looks like he didn't use stock screws though, unless I am misinterpreting it.

Yeah, he uses matching screws for the insert and even files off the top threads to avoid catching the baseplate's thread on the pickup.

 

[nexion218]

Step one complete, lets see how this goes

 

[nexion218]

Had to enlarge the pickup mounting tab holes a bit, because it turns out that over here the smallest threaded inserts that stores stock are for "M4" sized screws. Other than than that, it was smooth sailing. This solution should be stock on all direct mount builds.