Captive inserts/nuts into an Ebony neck heel

TTony

I mean this sort of thing


I've used these before without problem, but never into an ebony neck.

Is there a useful rule of thumb for working out the size of hole to drill - not too tight, not too loose, but just right - so that the inserts will stay securely in place, but not chew the neck to pieces as they go in?

I've tried test holes in other woods, and an 8.5mm / 9.0mm hole (M5 inserts, outer edge of the "teeth" is 9.75mm diameter) works well.  But I'm struggling with the first 9mm hole in the ebony, it's a really tight screw-in and I'm wary of doing some damage by forcing it.

Any suggestions, oh wise ones?

(And please don't say "don't use inserts" because the first hole is already drilled!)

WezV

have you tried waxing the threads?

TTony

WezV said:

have you tried waxing the threads?

No - that thought came to be just after I pressed "post" !!

Thanks @WezV - will give that a go shortly.

TTony

Went in easily (without falling out!).

Thanks again @WezV .