Ok so grounding the trem claw

[jay4321]

Yeah hey whats up

New strat going together, and there will be no rear cover over the trem claw/springs area, so I want to get that ground wire nice and firmly attached. Is there any good reason I can't stuff the wire up in where the trem claw screws go? So it contacts with the screw and held in place?

I can do whatever is needed, although I don't really have the capability (or at least tools) to drill a hole into the trem claw.

Thanks

 

[line6man]

Mechanical connections will corrode over time. You need to solder the ground wire.

 

[pabloman]

I've seen a guy use a ring connector placed over the screw like a washer between the head and the claw. Not too sure about the effectiveness and longevity but its probably no different than the solder lug thing.

 

[Stew]

I've seen a guy use a ring connector placed over the screw like a washer between the head and the claw. Not too sure about the effectiveness and longevity but its probably no different than the solder lug thing.

I read a post where OzziePete (maybe it was nexrex, formerly Aussie Paul—one of them Aussies!) suggested this and I've just done it on my strat build.
Works great ... but since I only completed it last weekend I can't atest to the longevity  :laughing7:

[edited reference]

 

[Cagey]

I've seen a guy use a ring connector placed over the screw like a washer between the head and the claw. Not too sure about the effectiveness and longevity but its probably no different than the solder lug thing.

I've used ring lugs under screws for years without issue, but I always drill a hole in the claw and use a dedicated nut/bolt to hold it on. Putting it under one of the claw retaining screws would work just as well electrically, but when you move the screw to adjust the claw you'll move the lug, and you run the risk of work-hardening the wire and having it break off at some point.

 

[Stew]

... but when you move the screw to adjust the claw you'll move the lug, and you run the risk of work-hardening the wire and having it break off at some point.

Good point Cagey ... didn't think of that. Might have to open her up again.

 

[Cagey]

I wouldn't open it up just for that. If it's working, don't fix it. But, it's something to keep in mind for the next time you do open it up.

 

[nexrex]

I've seen a guy use a ring connector placed over the screw like a washer between the head and the claw. Not too sure about the effectiveness and longevity but its probably no different than the solder lug thing.

I've used ring lugs under screws for years without issue, but I always drill a hole in the claw and use a dedicated nut/bolt to hold it on. Putting it under one of the claw retaining screws would work just as well electrically, but when you move the screw to adjust the claw you'll move the lug, and you run the risk of work-hardening the wire and having it break off at some point.

I always use Cagey's method. Its not easy drilling into the claw, but it is in my opinion the strongest way to attach the ground wire.

 

[line6man]

I've seen a guy use a ring connector placed over the screw like a washer between the head and the claw. Not too sure about the effectiveness and longevity but its probably no different than the solder lug thing.

I've used ring lugs under screws for years without issue, but I always drill a hole in the claw and use a dedicated nut/bolt to hold it on. Putting it under one of the claw retaining screws would work just as well electrically, but when you move the screw to adjust the claw you'll move the lug, and you run the risk of work-hardening the wire and having it break off at some point.

I always use Cagey's method. Its not easy drilling into the claw, but it is in my opinion the strongest way to attach the ground wire.

Someone tell me what's wrong with a proper soldered connection. :icon_scratch:

 

[nexrex]

Nothing wrong with it. Solder is not a strength join. As long as you wont be fiddling with it too much it will also be OK.

 

[jay4321]

All I have is a hand-held drill and some bits, including some brad points. Doubt any can handle drilling into a chunk of metal like that. The pickguard holes were a PITA and that's plastic.

 

[iamdavidmorris]

A hand held drill can do it.  You just need a good bit.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=drill+bit+for+metal&um=1&hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1440&bih=785&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=16662341826719747423&sa=X&ei=9c3eTb2iAYWztwf9ocWGCg&ved=0CIEBEPMCMAA