A little help with ferrule & tuner installation please?

[jay4321]

Ok, as some of you know, Tonar was finishing an ash Tele Deluxe for me. You can see the WIP thread here:

http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=7065.0

Well, it's finally done and on the way to my house. I have the pickguard assembled & wired up, ready to drop in. However I have two things to do: install the ferrules, and drill the smaller holes for the Schaller locking tuners, and could use a couple pointers before I go to town.

Regarding the ferrules: Tonar mentioned you should install these with a soldering iron. He made a brief attempt to install one, and even after removing some of the finishing in the hole it was still too tight. I'm not sure I understand how the soldering iron factors into this.

Regarding the tuners: On the MIM strats I've had, the Schallers pop right in since the smaller holes are already in place to accomodate the small protrusions from the tuners. I hope I don't insult anyone, but here's a reference picture of what I'm talking about: http://jborges.com/wp-content/gallery/partscaster-neck/img_0074.jpg.  The Warmoth neck doesn't have these smaller holes pre-drilled. What I did was rub out a pencil sketch of the back of a MIM strat neck to have a map for all the holes, but I'm still a little worried I might be slightly off somehow. Maybe I should just ask how you guys go about this?

These feel like dumb questions, but I'm made some dumb DIY mistakes.

 

[JaySwear]

i've heard the soldering iron is a good idea. basically you stick the iron inside the ferrule and it makes it a bit softer for slipping into place. i'm sure thats all easier said than done, and i did tons of research on it when i was ordering a soloist with a recessed tune-o-matic.

 

[bbl4ck]

i've heard the soldering iron is a good idea. basically you stick the iron inside the ferrule and it makes it a bit softer for slipping into place. i'm sure thats all easier said than done, and i did tons of research on it when i was ordering a soloist with a recessed tune-o-matic.

Yes, you are dead on with this.  Place the ferrule over the hole and place the soldering iron inside the ferrule. 
The heated ferrule softens the finish and it will slide right in.  I have a video from StewMac with a guy doing this and he takes a slightly damp cool rag and rubs over the finish after the ferrule slides in to cool it down and avoid harming the finish.  Then proceed with the next ferrule.
Good Luck... 

 

[Tonar8352]

Jason,
Take a look at this tool, I think this is what you need for the tuners. 

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Jigs/Tuner_Pin_Drill_Jig.html

 

[mayfly]

I've used the soldering iron trick many times.  What I did was just heat up the ferrule on the iron for about 10-20 seconds.  Then I positioned it in the guitar with pliers, and pushed it in with an appropriately sized screwdriver.  They have a bit of resistance initially, but then just slide right in.  I alternated the holes so there was no hot spots building up.  oh - and the iron was always away from the guitar at all times.

I plan to do this with Kashmir (the green paisley tele).  I've got no concerns.

 

[DangerousR6]

I've used the soldering iron trick many times.  What I did was just heat up the ferrule on the iron for about 10-20 seconds.  Then I positioned it in the guitar with pliers, and pushed it in with an appropriately sized screwdriver.  They have a bit of resistance initially, but then just slide right in.  I alternated the holes so there was no hot spots building up.  oh - and the iron was always away from the guitar at all times.

I plan to do this with Kashmir (the green paisley tele).  I've got no concerns.

Not to hyjack, but I'm itchin' to see this one....... :icon_thumright:

 

[jay4321]

Jason,
Take a look at this tool, I think this is what you need for the tuners. 

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Jigs/Tuner_Pin_Drill_Jig.html

That's perfect, but for $32 + shipping I'll probably have to pass. Thanks for the link though, it gave me the exact size of the drill bit I'll need to use. 

 

[jay4321]

Thanks also for the tips on the ferrules, I guess it's just a question as to whether my soldering gun gets hot enough. We'll find out in the next couple of days...

 

[bbl4ck]

Jason,
Take a look at this tool, I think this is what you need for the tuners. 

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Jigs/Tuner_Pin_Drill_Jig.html

That's perfect, but for $32 + shipping I'll probably have to pass. Thanks for the link though, it gave me the exact size of the drill bit I'll need to use. 

Hey duuuuude,
Here is a link to one on Ebay for $17.70 + 3.70 shipping:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Guitar-Player-Repair-Guide-by-Dan-Erlewine-2007_W0QQitemZ330336894580QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Nonfiction_Book?hash=item4ce99cfe74&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

I am tellin' ya, this is a must have book.  Plus the third edition [of which this is] has a DVD demonstrating the exact set-up advise you are looking for.
I am not making any money from this sale, but I would not pass it up...
:headbang1:

 

[jay4321]

Update: Body arrived, ferrules installed. The suggestion to use pliers and a screwdriver for this were especially useful. I managed to do it without scratching the outside of the ferrules.

Actually that second to last one looks as if it needs to get pushed in a little more, but you get the idea. Thanks again

 

[DangerousR6]

Nice job.... :icon_thumright:

For me though, I'd almost be tempted to counter bore the holes so that the ferrules sit flush with the body...A little cleaner look.... :dontknow:

 

[jay4321]

A friend of mine is over and offered to do that, but I like them as is