Guitar and Bass Neck Threaded Inserts

[BTL]

I've also been intrigued by this for awhile. Rock Rabbit has a pretty detailed video of the process with their kits. I like the tapping idea.

Rock Rabbit's technique is a little different, but Man Bun Metal Head's approach is pretty close to what I outlined above:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVHqB1x-P5U

[BTL]

I have updated my process a little and have a few little tweaks to share.

First I locate the insert on the neck with an awl, mark the location with a sharpie, and drill on the drill press.

The Irwin clamp keeps the neck from rocking on the frets during the process.



Next I tap the hole, and using dedicated sacrificial inserts I locate and drill center holes that allow the mounting bolts to penetrate past the insert and into the neck.

I modified a cheap screwdriver to use as a driver for the inserts.



Finally, I install the insert, lock it in place with thin CA, chase the threads, and tap the wood below.

Once it's time to attach the neck, the locating pins assist with any fine-tuning of the mounting holes in the body that may be required.

[Danley]

This is pretty much a 'better' way to attach a neck, but I'll offer two main concerns: One is the interchangeability of necks - not all bodies have mounting holes precise enough for holes in the same location to be used. Granted this is true of non-inserts as well, but it's relatively easier to dowel the holes and re-drill than it is for the inserts to be relocated. The second concern is although the neck holes can be stripped, it is again not too difficult to dowel them in the event that occurs.

But again - if you never plan on swapping the necking need the best, this is probably the way to go.

[Invader Zim]

I modified a cheap screwdriver to use as a driver for the inserts.

Here endeth the lesson.

[Rgand]

This is a great thread. Thanks for starting it, BeeTL.

I've been using the EZ LOK inserts for almost two years now. They're really good. Here are a couple things I've found make life easier.

I shimmed the jaws of this vice to fit the taper on the necks, glued neoprene sheeting on the jaws and lay a piece of chrome tanned leather underneath the neck to protect the frets.


At the suggestion of one of the pros on another forum, I made a block with holes drilled in it (upper right corner of the photo) to keep the tap aligned when starting it in the holes.

[BTL]

Nice!

I saw one builder that had an alignment block machined out of aluminum.

I will follow your lead and make one out of hardwood.

Also, the drive tool part for the 329-008 is 500-1.

I just dropped one in my Amazon cart.

Thanks!

[Rgand]

Nice!

I saw one builder that had an alignment block machined out of aluminum.

I will follow your lead and make one out of hardwood.

Also, the drive tool part for the 329-008 is 500-1.

I just dropped one in my Amazon cart.

Thanks!

Thank you, I have looked at those and they're definitely cool items. That modded screwdriver is hard to beat, though.

Notice two holes in that block. That's so you can hold it flat close to the center of the neck for inserts on either side.

[BTL]

That modded screwdriver is hard to beat, though.

I thought it was pretty clever at the time, and I like that alignment block, too!

[Rgand]

...and I like that alignment block, too!

Yeah. When I made it it didn't occur to me to make a wider block with one hole centered between the sides. LOL