Help! Cross-threaded whammy bar shears off in bridge!

[c-dub]

Help! I've got a guitar I love with a Fender style trem bridge. The bar got cross-threaded and sheared off as I was tryiong to work it out (I know, I know). What can I do? Don't they make drill bits for removing sheared screws? Has anyone ever tried that?

[rob2001]

Grab up a new bridge. The threads are probably shot. Maybe while your at it, research saddle types and possibly do an upgrade. Lemons=lemonade!!

[c-dub]

Yep, but let's just say I really like the bridge and want to salvage it. I'm not concerned about rethreading, I'd rather just get a new bar that you stick in and it hangs loose.

[HighwayStar]

You should be able to salvage it using a screw extractor. Here's a link:

http://www.mytoolstore.com/hanson/extractr.html

[Phil M]

You might be able to just replace the trem block without replacing the whole guitar. Your threads may very well be shot.

What kind of guitar?

[c-dub]

Its a Levinson Blade, which complicates it a bit. I really like their bridge with roller saddles.

[HighwayStar]

Can you post a photo of it?

[c-dub]

I'll try to tonight.

[c-dub]

Here's a crappy cell pic, click for larger version:

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z65/SC-WReX/th_083107_1302.jpg (http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z65/SC-WReX/083107_1302.jpg)

[John Phillips]

You definitely should be able to just replace the block, not the whole bridge. Check out Callaham or one of the other aftermarket parts suppliers, and if necessary contact them to check compatibility... there are a lot of 'patterns' of screw holes relative to string holes and arm holes, and it has to match - but they may know already.

Getting the broken end out even with a screw extractor can be very tricky, and the threads in the block will almost certainly be damaged.

[HighwayStar]

You should be able to repair the one you have. The only tricky part in using a screw extractor is drilling the hole, but this isn't as hard as you might think.

The trick is to get the drill started. You need some way of center punching the middle of the stub that's left in. This can be done using just about any sharp instrument and a strong magnifier. I would suggest an awl. Take your time to carefully line it up and tap it very gently until you have a mark that's deep enough to keep the drill from wandering.

Then clamp the block in a drill press and just go very slowly. A little patience goes a long way.

After that, put plenty of WD-40 on the threads and let it penetrate before using the extractor. There is a very good chance the original threads will still be usable.

If the threads are ruined, you still don't have to replace the block. You can get threaded inserts that were made for just such problems. You drill out the hole, tap it then put in the threaded insert.

[Mike9]

Remove the bridge from the guitar and chuck it in a padded vise. Use a cobalt drill bit on a slow setting and use oil for lubricant. You might have to use a small punch to dimple the center of the broken rod. Drill it down a ways and use an Easy Out to remove it. Chase the threads with the appropriate tap and you'll be good to go. I've done several using that method and it works. Don't try to rush it let the tools do the work.

[Jliu59]

whole thing sounds a biut rough without a good set of tools.

[Mike9]

I suppose the guitar mechanics in the house take it somewhat for granted, but after all . . . this is a guitar forum.

[daddyo]

Or take it to a machine shop and give the guy $20 cash for 10 minutes of work.