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Post subject: Re: Texas Specials installation findings - not self threadin
Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 10:58 am
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I know this is an old thread, but I was dumbfounded to find that the screws for my brand new Custom Shop Texas Specials wouldn't even come close to self- threading.

It's totally outrageous for a company charging a list of almost $200 to not tap the damn holes in the bobbins. Seriously. Venting here, but posting this so the next guy who pays a lot of money for a premium USA Brand specialty pickup won't freak out when he finds the screws that came with them don't fit.

I googled the problem before I found this thread and Angela's website came up with the helpful advice:

6/32" mounting screws are supplied with the above pickups. The mounting holes on the pickup base are quite a bit smaller than this. Fender recommends "You have to apply pressure to get them to mount correctly. We do not tap the holes at the factory for installation so the consumer shouldn't have to either. What happens is that the wax potting for the pickups clogs the mounting holes on the bobbin. The customer needs to remove the excess wax from the mounting hole and the screw should insert a little easier." As Fender suggests, most installers (including the Custom Shop...) simply force the 6/32" screw into the hole by applying pressure downward as they turn the phillips screwdriver clockwise; I don't necessarily endorse this 'brute force' method, since damage to the pickup is possible. It's better to open up the hole slightly by gentle application of a small tapered reamer, fractional size drills or a 6/32" tap, although the final threads should be cut by the Fender screw itself. I prefer the tap method. Just twist the tap clockwise into the hole on the pickup base, applying light pressure. When you do this, make sure that almost all of the pickup base is firmly supported on a bench top. Don't run the tap all the way through the hole in the pickup base. All you need to do is open up the hole a bit and establish a thread or two at the top of the hole. Then, screw the 6/32" machine screw supplied with the pickup into the hole clockwise, using moderate pressure and making sure that the screw is absolutely straight, not angled at all. This should open up the hole and cut the exact size threads you need. DON'T cut the threads all the way through the hole with the 6/32" tap or the fit will be too sloppy, making adjustment of the pickup difficult. This is a job for careful people; one slip and you can wreck the pickup. If you're not sure you can ace this, better to have a skilled repair person do it.

So, I'll see if I have an exacto blade or drill bit I can whittle the hole open enough to thread the screw in with. If not a trip to the hardware store for a 6/32" tap.

As far as the oval top screws, I'm guessing that most 8 hole pickguards take oval topped screws. Mine does.


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