Strat tremolo claw problem.

[ad94am3gtr]

I'm building a Warmoth Strat. I've got a vintage strat body in surf green. I ran into a problem when installing the tremolo bridge. I pre-tapped the claw screws very carefully. After it was installed I noticed that the claw sits higher than the surface of the body; so I can't put the tremolo cover on!!! I can only get it to be flush or lower by screwing it in really far. Are the claw screws supposed to be at a downward angle like they are on mine; I think that's what's making the claw so high. Any help would be appreciated!!!!!!!

 

[bagman67]

Can you clamp the claw in a vise and bend it?  That might be the way to go if you don't want to start new screw holes.

 

[Patriot54]

If the claw is only sticking out by a tiny bit, you could grind it down with a dremel. I cut through a tele control plate like soft butter with one of those dremel cutting discs.

 

[pabloman]

If you use a really long screwdriver you have a much better chance of getting those screws in straight, at least more straight.

 

[Cagey]

I'm building a Warmoth Strat. I've got a vintage strat body in surf green. I ran into a problem when installing the tremolo bridge. I pre-tapped the claw screws very carefully. After it was installed I noticed that the claw sits higher than the surface of the body; so I can't put the tremolo cover on!!! I can only get it to be flush or lower by screwing it in really far. Are the claw screws supposed to be at a downward angle like they are on mine; I think that's what's making the claw so high. Any help would be appreciated!!!!!!!

It happens. If you drilled the holes, you need to use an "aircraft bit" such as these...

They're longer than usual, which lets you lay the drill motor down closer to the body so you're at a much more acute angle going in. If somebody else drilled the holes, they need to see this advice, or if they're already aware of it, pay attention to what they're doing.

It's too late now, of course, so Bagman's advice is the best - put the claw in a vise and bend it so you open up the angle between the flange the screws run through and the back web running up to the spring claws.