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Topic: question about roller nuts? |
Terry Sneed
From:
Arkansas,
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Posted 24 May 2004 6:43 am |
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When I first got this guitar I took the strings off and put new on. while I had the strings off, I noticed some of the roller nuts were not rollin on the little shaft. I took the nuts off the shaft, didn't see anything wrong with the shaft itself. so I oiled it put the nuts back on, and got them to roll, but there were a few that were binding. I mean they would roll maybe half way around then stop. just lookin at the nuts, they look pitted, rough. my question is, do I need to put a new shaft and new roller nuts on, or will they be ok like they are? I don't think the nuts are even movin when I press my pedals/knee levers. their supposed to roll a tad aren't they?
I can order the shaft and nuts for $30 from emmons, but reckon I could find some used ones? $30 YIKES!
Terry
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84 SKH Emmons Legrand D10
session 400'rd Steelin for my Lord.
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 24 May 2004 6:54 am
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Terry,
They should roll freely. If they don't, do whatever you need to, do to get them to roll freely.
The reason for this is to reduce as much as possible the problem of "Hysterisis". IE, strings NOT coming back true if they are raised AND lowered. Such as the 4th and 8th strings (E9th). While most keyed guitars have the problem more or less, smooth well oiled rollers keep it to a minimum.
Usually a drop of oil is all that is necessary. However in some cases they need to be replaced UNLESS you have the proper drill bit. Better if you have a reamer bit instead. If you have neither, replace them.
Note: the amount of roll is usually not perceptible because it is miniscule. But they DO roll and should roll freely,
carl |
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Terry Sneed
From:
Arkansas,
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Posted 24 May 2004 7:26 am
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Thanks carl. I don't know how these nuts got like this, but they are pitted like.
I'll just get a new shaft and nuts to.
Terry
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84 SKH Emmons Legrand D10
session 400'rd Steelin for my Lord.
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 24 May 2004 8:12 am
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Usually, when they don't rotate freely, it's for one of 3 reasons.
1.) The holes are too close a fit, and the rollers are actually binding on the shaft. To correct this, polish the shaft with 400 grit wet or dry paper, and then then wipe clean and apply a drop of oil.
2.) The rollers are binding on the sides. to correct this, lay a piece of the aforementioned 400 grit paper on a flat surface, and sand the sides of the rollers lightly. If they still bind, open up the spaces in the nut slightly (on each side) where the rollers sit by a few swipes with a flat mill file. Wipe clean, and then oil.
3.) If the hole in the roller is too large, or if it's elongated, the roller may be "bottoming out" in the nut. In this case, the only good fix is a new roller with the proper sized hole.
Problem 1 and 2 are easy fixes. Problem 3 is very rare, but has been known to happen. Problem 2 is sometimes caused by a blow to the nut which actually deforms the supports on either side of the nut. If it's not too bad, the mill file treatment will easily correct it.
By the way, the rollers are very easily polished and cleaned by inserting a small machine screw through the hole of the roller, securing it with a nut, and then placing this in a drill. The rollers can then easily be polished with either emery paper or coarse steel wool while the drill is turning. (Hold the paper or steel wool with a leather glove...it can get hot very fast!)
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Terry Sneed
From:
Arkansas,
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Posted 24 May 2004 9:57 am
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Thanks Donny. that's probly what I'll have to do. I doubt I'll find a used shaft and rollers. and I sure don't want to pay $30 for those little boogers.
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84 SKH Emmons Legrand D10
session 400'rd Steelin for my Lord.
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