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RobF -> RE: Stripped tuner screws (May 1 2023 18:07:31)
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Hi Cervantes,
Toothpicks or slivers of wood glued into the hole is a viable option. A luthier will generally carve an exact fitting dowel using the same type of wood as the head and then redrill a pilot hole but it’s not necessary. The main thing to watch out for is if the screw feels tight or argues with you when being screwed in then don’t force it as those screws are notoriously weak and the head can snap off. A bit of soap or wax on the tip of the screw can help lubricate it and alleviate the problem, but if it fights back then drilling a larger diameter pilot hole is needed. Just make sure the drill tip is taped off to mark the depth so you don’t drill through to the slot.
Along the same cautionary line, do not choose a longer screw without verifying that is is not going to punch through into the string slot. If the appropriate length screw isn’t available and only longer ones are, then the ends can be snipped off with a wire cutter. Just wear eye protection when doing this.
Your local luthier would probably take care of all this for you for surprisingly little cost. It’s not a big job.
Either way, no worries.
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