How hard should it be to push TOM hardware into a guitar body?

[kgk9000]

(I have come back to working on my guitar again!)

I have a Warmoth Nomad body that Warmoth drilled for a TOM bridge, and then finished.  However, I have Hipshot TOM hardware, and it doesn't quit fit.

Should I use sandpaper wrapped around a pencil to expand the holes?  Then, how hard should I press to seat the bridge?  Gentle finger pressure?  Intense finger pressure?  A rubber hammer?!

Any thoughts/advice is most appreciated!

kgk

 

[stratamania]

If they are able to go in with finger pressure they would be no good.

Ideally, a pillar drill to press them in is needed or a block of wood or punch and a rubber mallet would be needed as an alternative.

I took a look and the Hipshot studs have a  0.442 diameter and the Gotoh TOM studs that Warmoth sell are 0.44. Perhaps, in reality, they are the same measurement but seem very close so the holes in the body should be suitable.

If there is some build up of paint in the holes it's a good idea to clean it up a bit using a bit of sandpaper as mentioned. How tight is too tight or what would be too loose is a matter of judgment and if you are in any way uncertain it might be worth getting a local luthier or repair guy to do it for you.

 

[amigarobbo]

You could try putting the studs into the freezer to shrink them a bit.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I stick a bolt into the chuck of my drill press, cinch it in as if it were a drill bit, then I apply downward pressure from the bolt head onto the top of the stud bushings, and slowly press them in, being mindful that equal pressure is being applied to the entirety of the top of the bushing.

I want it to go in evenly, and this has been a proven and safe method thus far.