Removing a tele jack socket (that doesn't want to go!)

tony99

Help! My telecaster requires a new jack socket. The one that's on it cuts out quite a bit and jack plugs sit loosely in it compared to my other guitars. If I plug in the lekato wireless that I have it spins around very freely.



I thought nice and simple, remove and replace. But those 2 screws just turn without raising and dislocating from the wood. That circular contact in the middle can move around but even accessing from inside there seems no way to remove the whole assembly. 

Any advice? What's my next move?

ICBM

Get the tip of a knife blade under the edges of the screws and gently lever them out while turning them with the screwdriver *without* pushing them in again at the same time...

If that fails, get a cheap screwdriver and epoxy it into one of the screw heads, wait until it's set and then unwind the screw. Heat the screw to break down the glue and repeat for the other one.

If the jack rotates in the cup, that sounds to me like it's a US-thread cup with a metric socket in it. Replace the socket with a Switchcraft, they should fit tightly.

Plug the holes in the wood with wood glue and cocktail sticks, and preferably replace the screws with longer ones so they grip better.

tony99

@ICBM you legend!

ICBM

tony99 said:

@ICBM you legend!

This is just one of the many frustrating bastard jobs I've had to learn how to do over the years, sometimes involving much more effort along the way than what finally proves to be the easiest solution, so I'm more than happy to pass on the knowledge and save you the pain .

tony99

ICBM said:

tony99 said:

@ICBM you legend!

This is just one of the many frustrating bastard jobs I've had to learn how to do over the years, sometimes involving much more effort along the way than what finally proves to be the easiest solution, so I'm more than happy to pass on the knowledge and save you the pain .

Spot on mate and thanks for the advice.
What do I need then? Buy the switch craft socket piece and use the cup section I already have or just get brand new of both?

SteveRobinson

A Switchcraft one won't fit that cup which is threaded for a metric jack. Unless you're happy tapping the cup for a US thread best buy a new cup with your Switchcraft jack.

tony99

SteveRobinson said:

A Switchcraft one won't fit that cup which is threaded for a metric jack. Unless you're happy tapping the cup for a US thread best buy a new cup with your Switchcraft jack.

ok cool. Where's best to sort switchcraft stuff?

I worry the ebay listings say switch craft but might actually not be.

Teyeplayer

@gavin_axecaster is your man for replacements.

gavin_axecaster

Thanks for the recommendation.

All my electrosockets are compatible with Switchcraft jacks - just select colour and jack from the dropdowns.

https://www.axecaster.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_14&products_id=39

ICBM

Yes, even if that is an imperial socket - it’s definitely a metric jack - it’s probably best just to replace both with the correct chrome Electrosocket and a Switchcraft jack.

tony99

gavin_axecaster said:

Thanks for the recommendation.

All my electrosockets are compatible with Switchcraft jacks - just select colour and jack from the dropdowns.

https://www.axecaster.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_14&products_id=39

ordered, cheers gavin!