The Steel Guitar Forum

OK all you steel guitar mechanics, is it possible to repair/tighten loose leg plugs (the part that screws into the end plates) or do I buy new legs. 75 P/P

Buddy

It depends on how loose they are. If they're really bad, you'll have to get a new leg (a microphone stand bought at a flea market or pawn shop can be a cheap source for the outer tube).

However, if the looseness isn't severe, I've had good luck with a super-bonder type metal adhesive called "Loctite 430".

Email me if you ineed instructions on the proper repair procedure.

I've had good luck with epoxy resin.

Take the plug out of the leg, mix up some epoxy resin, apply it to the plug and stick it back into the leg. Let it set up and you won't have any more problems.

I've repaired a lot of legs this way.

Is the original plug just peened at the factory to keep it in the sleeve or is it soldered in or what.

I would like to shorten up some legs and wondered how to remove the plug, cut the sleeve and reinstall the plug.

Any advice here?? Thanks

It's not real loose, it causes a slight wobble, mostly noticeable when lifting guitar in and out of the case. I doubt it would be easy to remove the plug but if there is a way to do that without screwing up the leg I would try the expoxy route.

Buddy,
The end plug is just pushed into the leg. If it is loose, you should be able to pull it out quite easily. Clamp the threaded portion of the plug in a vise between a couple of wood blocks and wiggle away.

Thanks Erv, I'll try it

Buddy

Buddy,
If you still can't get it out. There is another method I've used:

Take the inside leg out and stick a wooden dowel down the portion of the leg with the plug. The dowel should be longer than the leg. Then pound the dowel on the floor to drive the end plug out.

This has worked for me when the other method failed.

Pesonally, I'd avoid using a vise or Vise-Grip pliers, as that might cause some visible damage. The "long rod or dowel tapping on the floor" removal method is preferred (by me, anyway). "Wiggling" might stretch the tube even more, and lead to cracking the chrome plating.

I don't know how you would ever stretch the tube unless you are wearing a big "S" on your chest.

I had that problem with my Emmons many years ago. I used epoxy and it worked fine. I agree. Use a rod or dowel to remove the insert.

Also, if you have access to a lathe with a 3 jaw chuck after you remove the plug, you can put the plug end in the chuck and resize it, be carefull to not overdo it, and put the bottom end in a center to keep it straight. Then do the adheasive thing.

Thanks guys

I really like the long dowel idea. A lot of good suggestions. I will try this and post a follow up.

BG

I had the same problem, I was able to drip some super glue adhesive into around the plug, set over nite.. never moved again.

I had this problem on my old Emmons. I drilled two 1/8 inch holes thru the leg and plug 1/4 inch apart and at 90 degree angles. Then drove 1/8 inch split roll pins into the holes thru both the plug and leg. Dressed it up with a file and no more wiggle.

Take Tubing cutters, cut 1" off ,split metal and remove insert,put insert in very cold freezer,let set 2hr,s.Next warm up end of legg with
propane,be careful not to over heat chrome and discolor it.Take plug from freezer,tap into leg with would block.When this all reaches room temp again your legg will be boo koo tight.If the difference in the hieght look bugs you,do the other side the same way.

Buddy,I have had this problem several time through out the years. And tryed many diffrent methods of repair. the best repair I have found is I took one of the legs to a fabrication shop and asked if they could put a small bead of weld between the end of the leg and the insert well they did just that and to my suprise it was so perfect and small you could not tell it was welded at all and solid as a rock.I guess you would have to go to a shop with the right equipment and a real good welder to do that fine of work. Jerry

ok, here's how ya do it. Unscrew the clutch and remove the inner tube, insert a heavy steel rod in the end opposite the plug and use it to knock the plug out (sort of a pyle driver effect). Put the non threaded end into a vise and use a hammer and chisel to raise some grooves lengthwise along the non threaded side of the plug, rotating the plug as necessary. Use an old socket slightly larger than the threaded end and a hammer to knock it back in. Learned this from a reputable builder, works great!