Tuner Replacement Questions for Luthiers

[SKYHIGH]

Hi,

My J45 and Martin M36 came equipped with Grover Rotomatics.

I am looking to replace the Rotomatics with Gotoh SXN510V. Due to asthetics and weight. I am looking at these particular Tuners(SXN510V) due to its threaded design which means easier swap with Rotomatics than Waverlys or similar.
http://g-gotoh.com/international/product/sxn510v.html


Questions:

-How tight do you tightened the nuts? Do you use small torque wrench or special tool or just common sense feel?

-Rotomatics come with one screw hold on the back. If I use the Gotoh SXN510V, can I not use the top screw for few months until I’m sure these are the ones I want?

-Do you personally use a tool/jig for pre-drill prior to screw insert? Saw Stewmac selling them so I wanted to ask how many of you just use the tuner hole as a jig to drill.

-Do you know where I can buy washers to replace dime size washers that come with these?

Thank you very much

[Halcyon/Tinker]

Snugged but not cinched

Probably be fine

I poke a dent in the finish with a sharpened nail, then drill with a 1/16 bit with a depth stop

Sorry no, but most tuner washers seem generally to be the same size

[Tim McKnight]

Originally Posted by SKYHIGH

Hi,

Questions:

-How tight do you tightened the nuts? Do you use small torque wrench or special tool or just common sense feel?

Too tight can crush the wood and a tad too tight can crack the finish so be very careful. Tighter is not better with tuner nuts. I ONLY use my thumb and index finger to tighten tuner nuts using the appropriate sized nut driver. I turn the nut until I feel resistance and STOP. Its difficult to over tighten using this technique. Every time you change strings check to see if the tuner nuts are still snug using this method.