How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

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mediocreplayer
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How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by mediocreplayer » Sun Jun 20, 2021 3:58 pm

The Mustang bridge I have on my Jag was sinking as these bridges usually do. I applied very little blue loctite, which took care of this, but now I cannot adjust the height using the wrench. What do people do in this situation?

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schoolie
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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by schoolie » Sun Jun 20, 2021 4:26 pm

Drop of acetone on the threads should work..just be careful not to get it on a lacquer finish.

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timtam
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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by timtam » Sun Jun 20, 2021 6:02 pm

Blue loctite really should release relatively easily with mechanical force. Is the allen key actually mating with the grub screw but refusing to turn (rather than not mating) ? An allen key with a handle may give you a bit more leverage if you can only insert the existing key lengthwise (1.5mm for metric bridges; 0.05"/1.27mm for Imperial).
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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by andy_tchp » Sun Jun 20, 2021 6:16 pm

timtam wrote:
Sun Jun 20, 2021 6:02 pm
Blue loctite really should release relatively easily with mechanical force.
+1. Hopefully you applied it directly to the threads and not all over the top of the fastener where the hex key engages.

If it's truly stuck, heat with butane torch, soldering iron directly on screw head or (as per Mastery recommendations) throw the entire bridge into a pot of boiling water on the stove for a few minutes.
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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by ChrisDesign » Sun Jun 20, 2021 8:59 pm

Worst case scenario, new bridge 😑
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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by fisonic » Sun Jun 20, 2021 11:14 pm

Loctite Blue is prescribed for 1/4 - 3/4 inch screws, so you have to very sparingly. Purple recomended up to 1/4 inch.

https://www.ellsworth.com/globalassets ... ocking.pdf

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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by jorri » Mon Jun 21, 2021 1:50 am

As I am sure has happened before dont use their blue superglue either, although it can be loosened by acetone too. Threadlocker is a separate product

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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by mediocreplayer » Mon Jun 21, 2021 8:12 am

andy_tchp wrote:
Sun Jun 20, 2021 6:16 pm
timtam wrote:
Sun Jun 20, 2021 6:02 pm
Blue loctite really should release relatively easily with mechanical force.
+1. Hopefully you applied it directly to the threads and not all over the top of the fastener where the hex key engages.

If it's truly stuck, heat with butane torch, soldering iron directly on screw head or (as per Mastery recommendations) throw the entire bridge into a pot of boiling water on the stove for a few minutes.
Holy shit -- boil the bridge? I might try this just for the fun of it.

Thank you everyone for your help!

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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by ShortyMedlock » Fri Jul 02, 2021 6:41 pm

jorri wrote:
Mon Jun 21, 2021 1:50 am
As I am sure has happened before dont use their blue superglue either, although it can be loosened by acetone too. Threadlocker is a separate product
Thanks for that "purple" suggestion... never heard of it before but I can find a use where it is more suited for the job than the green I have been using.

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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by jorri » Sat Jul 03, 2021 4:38 am

ShortyMedlock wrote:
Fri Jul 02, 2021 6:41 pm
jorri wrote:
Mon Jun 21, 2021 1:50 am
As I am sure has happened before dont use their blue superglue either, although it can be loosened by acetone too. Threadlocker is a separate product
Thanks for that "purple" suggestion... never heard of it before but I can find a use where it is more suited for the job than the green I have been using.
They arent superglues which is a start. I think green is a higher strength below red.
I have blue, but sometimes has made it stiff and incovenient to move saddle screws but not 'stuck'..and that said after a few turns is fine and have only needed once so havent switched down. But i would think purple the most convenient for those who want to adjust saddles as the saddles are easy to rock whilst its tight. Its probably fine using blue on the posts.

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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by timtam » Sun Jul 04, 2021 12:50 am

Blue 242/243 threadlocker is the usual choice ...

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Re: How to adjust Mustang bridge height after applying Loctite?

Post by Darren Blaring » Sun Jul 04, 2021 12:13 pm

They are more money than a mustang bridge, but Staytrem is now shipping worldwide again (there is a waiting list). I have had one for years and its about as close to maintenance free as you will find. So far I have never needed a bottle of loctite.

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