After about a month of daily play, the end pin on my new ADStrat was loose. No problem, I thought to myself, a couple of turns with a screwdriver and everything will be fine. Although the end pin did snuggle up after a few turns, I felt that the screw did not "grab" as much as I expected. When I removed the end pin I saw that the hole is much larger than the screw and if my caliper readings are correct, only the last 1/8-inch of the screw goes into the body.

I replaced the stock end pin with one that has a longer screw and things appear okay. Has anyone had a similar experience? Why would the hole for the end pin be so much wider than the screw?

Cheers!
BM

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This is the Blues. Are you listening?

It's relatively simple to solve.
What you have is where the hole drilled for the strap button screw was too large.
Drill bit diameter size should always be the screw shaft diameter, this does nor include the threads on the screw, just the central shaft.
What this does is to allow the screw threads to bite into the walls of the drilled hole.

You should either buy a strap locking system, there are many available from the Dunlop's to Straplock and others.
Make sure the new strap lock button screw is of a larger diameter than the current one you are having problems with.
Again match your drill bit size to the new screw shaft size, drill out for the new screw, screw in just the new screw ( without the strap button ) to tap the hole with the thread pattern, remove, apply a drop of wood glue into the hole and screw in the new button , let the glue cure overnight and that is it.
Screw in until strap button is flush and screw is snug feeling tight. Don't overtighten or you will either strip out the new threaded shaft or snap the screw inside the shaft.
Not something you want to get into.

I would add to make sure that the screws for your new strap system are either stainless steel or hardened steel, make sure of that even going to a specialty hardware store and buying a couple of hardened steel screws, Not The One's Made In China.
The screw is the critical part of getting it done and not having to worry about it for years if at all..

Cheers

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"C'est parti mon Kiki "

Thanks for your comments 53magnatone.

I took a closer look and from what I can tell the hole for the end pin is 1-1/8" deep and is tapered: about 3/16" at the top, going down to just under 1/8" at the bottom. I don't understand why there is a taper. Perhaps to accomodate different strap lock systems?

Tapping a hole would be ideal but given the opening up top I think it would mean a rather large screw. Typically 1/8" drill is used for a No. 8 wood screw and the opening is closer to 3/16".

Good idea for the stainless steel screws. I think they may be available at Lee Valley.

_________________
This is the Blues. Are you listening?

Then your first choice is to glue and plug the hole with a dowel preferably a hardwood, Let dry and then redrill for the appropriate screw size.

_________________
"C'est parti mon Kiki "