What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

Andrew Lamprecht

Andrew Lamprecht

Minion of One
It's a MIJ strat so maybe that explains why my keys don't fit, even though they look like normal hex size. My set goes to 1.5 and it seems slightly too big... like at first glance it seems to be a perfect fit but it doesn't go in. Any ideas what size this might be or if I am using the wrong tools? thanks.

strat 6.jpg
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

I had no problems adjusting and replacing these screws on an MIJ Squier. A 1,5 mm allen wrench fit fine. The low E screws on your picture look upside down to me. Or maybe slightly dirty, either way not ready to accept the key.
Pardon the question but are you positive you are using a metric key of the right size?
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

Yeah, its metric and the smallest size in my set is 1.5. I read online it should fit but its just not :/
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

they should have given you the stuff for it check bag
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

also nice quarter pound I believe if not nice SD pickup :P
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

are they the same for Classic Vibe telecaster custom... I can't find an allen key in my house that will fit in such a small hole
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

An independent, small, old-school hardware store (i.e NOT The Home Despot or other corporate mega-hardware store) should have individual Allen wrenches of all sizes behind the counter. I believe the one you need is .050 in., and it will be very inexpensive. Just grab a couple when you are there, because you are bound to misplace them every now and then. I think I got six for $2 the last time I stocked up.
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

P.S. You can sometimes store a Strat's Allen wrench under the saddle springs, so it's always handy. It should work if you have light strings, which will keep your saddles forward. If you use medium or heavy strings, you might have to set your saddles too far back to allow the wrench to fit.
 
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Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

I've gotten wrenches for free at music stores, just by asking for one. They usually have a bucket of them from the hundreds of guitars they unpack.
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

Don't be surprised if once you get the saddles at a proper height, that you need a neck shim. Thats generally what happens.
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

ItsaBass said:
An independent, small, old-school hardware store (i.e NOT The Home Despot or other corporate mega-hardware store) should have individual Allen wrenches of all sizes behind the counter. I believe the one you need is .050 in., and it will be very inexpensive. Just grab a couple when you are there, because you are bound to misplace them every now and then. I think I got six for $2 the last time I stocked up.
Click to expand...

I went to 2 big hardware stores and someone told me to go to the small place on the other side of town. I'll check tomorrow.

Gearjoneser said:
I've gotten wrenches for free at music stores, just by asking for one. They usually have a bucket of them from the hundreds of guitars they unpack.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, the closest store is about 45 minutes drive from me. :/
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

Went to 4 Hardware stores today, 3 small ones and still nothing. The only one I found with a .05 size was in a big set that cost $28. Yeah right. I guess I'll try to make the trip to Guitar Center sometime soon. :/
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

Your allen is probably stripped or the screw in the saddles are stripped(the heads). Take it with you to GC or Home Depot & buy the right size that fits.....
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

I bought a new allen wrench set because I let my brother use my old ones and he lost them. And I can clearly see the edges on the saddle heads so I'm assuming they are fine. The wrench is just too big.
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

Andrew Lamprecht said:
Went to 4 Hardware stores today, 3 small ones and still nothing. The only one I found with a .05 size was in a big set that cost $28. Yeah right. I guess I'll try to make the trip to Guitar Center sometime soon. :/
Click to expand...

PM me your address, brutha. I'll sent you one of my many .050" wrenches.
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

Radio Shack sells a nice mini screw driver set for about 10 bucks that I use with Strats.
 
Re: What size allen wrench/tool do I need to heighten the action on my Strat?

I believe you would need a 1.3mm Allen key. I've found some precision screwdriver kits with them.
 
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