Truss rod: to lubricate or not

[RJVB]

Originally Posted by Fathand

The threads are near the soundhole on the rods I use. The ends near the headstock are welded together. For the rare times a truss rod needs lubricating, a port might be overkill. I wonder if a hole could be drilled in the hex socket though that might reach the threads?

That might jeopardise the structural integrity. Maybe a diagonal hole through the block, opening just next to the nut?

Or an access port hidden under one the highest fretboard dot?

[Bruce Sexauer]

I have thought about this thread. While a hole, not unlike the one for neck sets, could be drilled, the lubricant might reach the rod, but would be unlikely to get into the threads where needed. The first issue I’d have would be that the lube would travel in the wood, particularly in end grain, potentially being visible and cause finish issues as well as structural degrade to the wood itself. Removing the fingerboard and servicing the truss rod, if it doesn’t work well enough, isn’t as big a deal as some might imagine.

[Horsehockey]

Thank you again to all. This has been very educational.