Schaller S-Locks Installation Advice?

[Daniel Grenier]

I am about to install the new-ish Schaller S-Locks strap buttons on the heels of my Martin 12 string and 000. Any words of advice for those who have done just that? (besides telling me to go to my Luthier for this..).

The plan is to have... Drill bit smaller than the screw. Check. Bit depth taped off to match screw depth. Check. Drill at 45 deg angle. Check. Anything else?

Thanks

[Howard Klepper]

45º angle? Where did that come from? You should drill perpendicular to the surface. If it's a curved surface, drill on a radius of the curve.

"Smaller than the screw" is too vague. Slightly bigger than the solid core of the screw is better. How much bigger depends on the wood.

Tape the surface. And a good lipped brad point bit is better than a standard twist drill.

It's an easy job to do, and also easy to mess up.

Where/how are you planning to attach the strap lock on the body? You need to lock both ends if you don't want to drop the guitar.

Suggest you have a good tech do the job.

[Rodger Knox]

Installing the button is relatively easy. Follow Mr Klepper's instructions.
It is also relatively easy to split the heel installing the strap button.

[Daniel Grenier]

Originally Posted by Howard Klepper

45º angle? Where did that come from? You should drill perpendicular to the surface. If it's a curved surface, drill on a radius of the curve.

"Smaller than the screw" is too vague. Slightly bigger than the solid core of the screw is better. How much bigger depends on the wood.

Tape the surface. And a good lipped brad point bit is better than a standard twist drill.

It's an easy job to do, and also easy to mess up.

Where/how are you planning to attach the strap lock on the body? You need to lock both ends if you don't want to drop the guitar.

Suggest you have a good tech do the job.

I plan to have them installed like in this pic. I meant 45 more or less in terms strings to screw alignment - not to the heel itself (sorry). I was also thinking minimum 1/16" smaller than the screw but "slightly bigger than the body" it is. And thanks for the "lipped brad point bit" tip.

[Howard Klepper]

Originally Posted by Rodger Knox

Installing the button is relatively easy. Follow Mr Klepper's instructions.
It is also relatively easy to split the heel installing the strap button.

I wasn't giving instructions. Just hoping to prevent some mistakes.