Alternative to Allen key?

DefaultM

I need a 0.5mm Allen key for my graphtech string saver saddles to adjust the action, but I can't find one anywhere. 
Does anyone know where I could get one, or another way to adjust the saddles?

m_c

Small torx bits are far more common, and there's likely one that would fit well. I'd measure some up for you, but I'm currently on holiday. I'll be home on Sunday if you've not found a solution by then.

gavin_axecaster

0.5mm? That's tiny. You sure it's not 0.50" which is about 1.27mm and a common size on US/US spec saddles.

mudslide73

+1 for Torx bits. 

DefaultM

I'm pretty sure it's 0.5mm because I've got a 1mm and that doesn't fit. All I could find was a 0.7mm in B&Q and that looked absolutely tiny, so yes it does seem like I need the smallest thing in the world.

professorben

DefaultM said:

I'm pretty sure it's 0.5mm because I've got a 1mm and that doesn't fit. All I could find was a 0.7mm in B&Q and that looked absolutely tiny, so yes it does seem like I need the smallest thing in the world.

I think the Trem tightness lug on my PRS is 0.5mm. 

Its bloody tiny, I had to buy a whole 24pc set to get it. 

Only a fiver off eBay tho. 

SteveRobinson

It's probably 50 thou. (1/20")

Metric ones are usually 1.5mm

bingefeller

Probably Stewart McDonald would have something. 

gavin_axecaster

http://shopgraphtech.com/product-377-2/
This would seem to be the key for most Graphtech string saver saddles - .050" (50 thousands of an inch)

SteveRobinson

£1.99 on eBay http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/112351302931

DefaultM

I've got a full set of keys at home already and none of them fit, as in they're visibly too big. The smallest is a 1.0, and they increase by 0.5 up to probably 7?

SteveRobinson

You have a full set of metric Allen keys. The screws are Imperial size. 

DefaultM

They're different sizes? I always see the different sets but just thought they were the same tools labelled in different ways.

SteveRobinson

Yes. Using the wrong size is a sure-fire way to ruin your grub screws/truss rod adjuster etc...

maltingsaudio

I bought one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mini-Pocket-Pen-Shaped-Screwdriver/dp/B005ZZ2PH6 and it seems to have bits you can ram into allen bolts which work, did my wilkinson trem a treat

Alnico

I just bought a ball ended screwdriver style one to do my Strat with.

I've got a spare L shaped one that came with the Strat if you'd like it, I can post it to you tomorrow?

PM me your address if you want it.
No problem.

It is 0.05". - 1.27mm for a USA strat like mine so I would assume it's the same for those saddles you have.

FelineGuitars

Get the Cruz Tools multi-tool - it has the 0.05" as well as all the other useful guitar sizes too
We keep it in stock if you need a supplier.
Graphtech sizes are usually 0.05"  1.5mm and 1/16" - maybe 3/32 on a large item

57Deluxe

Edgar Allen Poe...

DefaultM

Alnico said:

I just bought a ball ended screwdriver style one to do my Strat with.

I've got a spare L shaped one that came with the Strat if you'd like it, I can post it to you tomorrow?

PM me your address if you want it.
No problem.

It is 0.05". - 1.27mm for a USA strat like mine so I would assume it's the same for those saddles you have.

Thanks very much for the offer but I ordered 2 from eBay yesterday. 

I've always looked at the cruztools and thought I had no need for it because I had the Allen keys separate. However, I keep losing them so i should probably invest. 

Alnico

No problem at all.
Glad you're sorted.

DefaultM

Well they're here and they fit, so you learn something new every day!