Antoria truss rod key

lowaction · #1 04-02-2019, 07:46 AM

Hi all,

I recently got hold of an old Antoria 1970s MIJ acoustic. It's got a few issues with it and I'd like to try and bring it back to life.

I'm struggling to find a suitably-sized key or wrench for the truss rod. It's accessed via the headstock but there's very little room to get to it. The headstock hasn't been cut away to give easy access.

Would anyone have any suggestions for what would be best? Some of the hex wrenches I've seen would be too big to get into the crevice.

Hopefully these pictures will help.

Thanks very much.

JonWint · #2 04-02-2019, 08:20 AM

Did you try a Pocket Truss Rod Wrench?

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tool...OD_WRENCH.html

If the purpose-made tool doesn't fit, grind the pocket and/or the tool until it does.

lowaction · #3 04-02-2019, 09:13 AM

Thanks for the swift reply.

I'd seen those on Stewmac but I don't think they'll fit - it says they're 19mm so I still think that'll be too big.

Grinding the pocket sounds intriguing. Do you mean to cut it in a slant at the front to give better access? And, if so, what would be the best tool for that?

Thanks

JonWint · #4 04-02-2019, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowaction

I'd seen those on Stewmac but I don't think they'll fit - it says they're 19mm so I still think that'll be too big.

Grinding the pocket sounds intriguing. Do you mean to cut it in a slant at the front to give better access? And, if so, what would be the best tool for that?

Thanks

They are not 19mm.

What size is the nut on your guitar?

If socket doesn't fit try a box end wrench.

Dremel router.

lowaction · #5 04-02-2019, 10:03 AM

Nut is 42mm.

Ah yeah, a box end wrench might work, but there's not much of a clearance between the sides of the pocket and the bolt. I'll see if I can find one that might fit.

I have a couple of socket wrenches but they're too big to get in there.

Otherwise, it might be dremel time.

Thank you for your help.

Rodger Knox · #6 04-02-2019, 10:27 AM

It might be worthwhile to mention that there's a reasonable possibility that the nut threads are frozen, and may take some effort to break free. It has never been adjusted since it left the factory. A very small drop of penetrating oil in exactly the right spot and left for a couple of hours would not be a bad idea. Getting oil all over your guitar is a bad idea, so be careful!

JonWint · #7 04-02-2019, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowaction

Nut is 42mm.

No it isn't. The wheel nuts on a car are 17mm to 21mm.

lowaction · #8 04-02-2019, 10:34 AM

Sorry, I was being dim. When you said 'nut', for some reason I thought you meant the nut of the guitar.

The nut looks to be 8mm, although my calipers can't get in there for an exact measurement.

lowaction · #9 04-02-2019, 10:42 AM

Thanks for oil tip. I'll try that - if I can find a wrench that'll fit.

Also, where Stewmac says the pocket wrenches are 19mm, I mean each socket is 3/4" (19.05mm) long. That's why it might not fit. Otherwise the 5/16" would be a winner.

John Arnold · #10 04-02-2019, 02:01 PM

In extreme low clearance cases, a box end ignition wrench that has been ground thin on the edge is one solution.
In practical terms, 5/16" = 8mm.

lowaction · #11 04-03-2019, 05:00 AM

I'm going to try one of these and use the ring end: https://www.diy.com/departments/magn...1797765_BQ.prd

I know the Stewmac option will fit the nut. I'm just not convinced there's enough clearance to get it in there. And I'll have to wait/pay to get it shipped to the UK.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks for all your advice and suggestions.

Quickstep192 · #12 04-03-2019, 06:07 AM

Look for “thinwall” sockets. One of those might be able to get under it unless there’s absolutely no clearance at all.

lowaction · #13 04-04-2019, 04:16 PM

So the ring end of the spanner nearly fits. But there's not enough clearance under the nut to get it in far enough. This makes me think that the Stewmac tool would also struggle.

I may take it to a luthier for advice and see if they have anything.

Otherwise I'm going to have to make the pocket wider which could end in tears.

John Arnold · #14 04-04-2019, 04:52 PM

Grind the spanner so it is thinner. As it is, it is way stronger than is necessary for this use.

lowaction · #15 04-05-2019, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Grind the spanner so it is thinner. As it is, it is way stronger than is necessary for this use.

Thanks John. That makes sense. But you make that sound as easy as making a cup of tea! Alas, I have no way of grinding a spanner. Unless I'm missing something?