Hand mangling grub screws - best solution?

chris45 · February 19

This is my Fender Sratocaster's bridge:

The guitar plays very nicely, but the grub screws on the outer strings are quite a pain. Possible solutions are:
1. Try and find some smaller grub screws - but the ones I have found so far are either too short / too long
2. Grind them down - but I don't have access to a grinder / belt sander
3. Shim? I have seen this recommended - I don't see why I wouldn't get the same issue just at a different height but am open to it
4. Replace with non-bitey saddles e.g. Highwood

Comments appreciated!

fretfinder · February 19

There’s always option 5 - amend your playing style so you’re not continually bashing the bridge with your hand!

Seriously though, just buy shorter saddles, they’re not difficult to find once you know what diameter and height you want.

Jonathangus · February 19

Start with the easiest and cheapest option - which is a shim. Just a piece of thin card in the back of the neck pocket. This will tilt the neck back very slightly, so you'll need to raise the saddles, and 'bury' the threads of the adjustment screws below the surface of the saddles. This pic is exaggerated for effect, but you get the idea.

guitars4you · February 19

If you go with option 2 then you can try a metal file - Do one grub screw at a time - Take note of the string height/saddle position as it is now, so you can re-fit back to 'as was' - File the base of the grub screw flat so it still sits flat on to the bridge plate so as to maximise 'transmission' through from the string to saddle to trem plate - Be careful you don't over tight the grub screw whilst in a vice, as you don't want to damage the thread

1/4" is the smallest grub screw height available - assuming yours are imperial - https://www.allparts.uk.com/collections/saddle-bridge-height-screws - loads of options on here

guitars4you · February 19

Some guitars use a 5/16" small option ie on the outside E saddles - But you can get 1/4" if required - Not sure what is on your Strat

nonesuch · February 19

I’ve had success buying shorter grub screws or using a shim in some instances.

I you know if the Strat is American (imperial) or MIM (metric) you should be able to find replacement grub screws cheaply online.

I got these for an American Special Strat:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292725587589

I got sizes of 4-40 5/16" and 4-40 1/4".

For MIM:
M3 x 8mm
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252348960209

drofluf · February 19

guitars4you said:

If you go with option 2 then you can try a metal file - Do one grub screw at a time - Take note of the string height/saddle position as it is now, so you can re-fit back to 'as was' - File the base of the grub screw flat so it still sits flat on to the bridge plate so as to maximise 'transmission' through from the string to saddle to trem plate - Be careful you don't over tight the grub screw whilst in a vice, as you don't want to damage the thread

1/4" is the smallest grub screw height available - assuming yours are imperial - https://www.allparts.uk.com/collections/saddle-bridge-height-screws - loads of options on here

To expand on the above if you have a nut of the right size put that on the grub screw and fasten the nut in your vice. Less risk of damaging the grub screw and the nut will help clean up any damage to the thread.

jasonbone75 · February 19

If you are metric and they really are M3 I have stock of M3x3,4,5 and 6mm lengths. For a couple of quid to cover my trouble and postage you could have some sent.

If you need the UNC 4-40 threads you can get down to 3/32" (2.38mm) in length here: https://www.westfieldfasteners.co.uk/A2_ScrewBolt_GrubCup_UNCoarse0.1120.html

MartinBush · February 19

I had the same issue and, when I got my guitar set up, the neck was shimmed as suggested by @Jonathangus ;

I couldn't see why it would work until it was explained to me. My guitar needed that plus some other bits tweaking so it made sense to get it all done in one go.

guitars4you · February 19

drofluf said:

guitars4you said:

If you go with option 2 then you can try a metal file - Do one grub screw at a time - Take note of the string height/saddle position as it is now, so you can re-fit back to 'as was' - File the base of the grub screw flat so it still sits flat on to the bridge plate so as to maximise 'transmission' through from the string to saddle to trem plate - Be careful you don't over tight the grub screw whilst in a vice, as you don't want to damage the thread

1/4" is the smallest grub screw height available - assuming yours are imperial - https://www.allparts.uk.com/collections/saddle-bridge-height-screws - loads of options on here

To expand on the above if you have a nut of the right size put that on the grub screw and fasten the nut in your vice. Less risk of damaging the grub screw and the nut will help clean up any damage to the thread.

Brilliant idea - never thought of that - I might use a cloth or be careful but that is a good idea

bertie · February 19

squirt a load of silicone sealant over the protruding screws, protect your hand, easy to remove when you need to adjust.

this handy tip was brought to you by Viz Recording Studios

roberty · February 19

I put steel block saddles on my SS SE for that reason

roberty · February 19

The threads are longer on block saddles than on bent sheet ones so it's easier to get the screws to sit inside the thread

gumbothewiddler · February 19

If only someone would invent a little metal plate that clips over the top like an old fashioned ash tray that would stop this problem…

Philly_Q · February 19

Highwood saddles, if you don't mind the expense. They're excellent.

If you decide to buy shorter grub screws, take the opportunity to get stainless steel ones so they won't rust up.

roberty · February 19

gumbothewiddler said:

If only someone would invent a little metal plate that clips over the top like an old fashioned ash tray that would stop this problem…

They are useless now that smoking is banned in venues

elstoof · February 19

My band mate just takes his off and leaves it on top of an amp, so it holds bottles of vape juice without them rolling on the floor

RickLucas · February 20

Highwood saddles are great. You wouldn't need a grinder though if you wanted to shorten them that way. I shortened my saddle screws on a Tele by removing them and rubbing them on wet and dry sandpaper.