should it be screwed in and left a loose so it hangs loose over the tone and volume knobs or can it be tighter?

A lot of Strats these days come with a spring in the whammy screw hole to prevent overtightening.If your Strat doesn't have one most dealers stock them in packages of 6 if I'm not mistaken.When not using the spring I tighten the bar 'til it stops turning freely and then back it off 1 turn-that way you ensure that the thread won't strip out.

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

+1

_________________
Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cafeathers


I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

If you have the screw in type trem bar, try using a small amount of PT FE tape (the thin plumbers tape) it will hold it enough so its not swinging about freely but not locked solid, an also help maintain the thread.

_________________
Dan...

Fender 1987 MIJ Stratocaster, Texas Special Loaded.
Fender 2007 MIA Jazz Deluxe.

+1

I agree with the Plumbers Tape, I've used it for years with no issues.