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Author:	bcombs510 [ Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:25 pm ]
Post subject:	Replacing tuner buttons
Any tips for replacing plastic tuner buttons? I have the replacement plastic button from StewMac and the tuner is off the instrument. I have a heat gun. It started to melt the button before it got warm enough to pull off. I’m not trying to save the old button, but if I cannot take one off cleanly using a heat gun then I’m guessing I cannot put one back on without messing it up either. I also have an infrared lamp that I use to remove bridges. It’s heating up the button now, we’ll see. Brad Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Author:	bcombs510 [ Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:47 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Replacing tuner buttons
OK, maybe I have it. 10 mins with a soldering iron sitting on the shaft and the button almost fell off. Let's see how it goes

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Author:	Ken Nagy [ Wed Feb 02, 2022 7:00 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Replacing tuner buttons
I got them off with a tiny torch on the shaft. A few seconds. Tried a soldering gun. Didn't work. Why are they so weak? I can't imagine that they would melt solder!

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Author:	ballbanjos [ Wed Feb 02, 2022 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Replacing tuner buttons
I drill them out to the right size and don't use heat at all per Frank Ford's recommendation: http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Technique/Tuners/NewButton/newbutton.html Works great. Dave

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Author:	Clay S. [ Wed Feb 02, 2022 11:37 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Replacing tuner buttons
Like Dave, I drill them and I glue them on with a little bit of CA or epoxy if necessary.

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Author:	Hesh [ Thu Feb 03, 2022 3:30 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Replacing tuner buttons
For plastic Brad buddy we use a torch and we also have made little, wooden spacer guides that informs us how far to push the new button onto the hot shaft. Once you get the shaft hot enough you have to work fast the button cools the shaft quickly and we have to get the button all the way seated before it does.

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Author:	bcombs510 [ Thu Feb 03, 2022 1:54 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Replacing tuner buttons
Thanks all. As usual, a combination of the feedback helped get it resolved. I drilled the replacement buttons to 9/64”, used a small dowel to align the button vertically, and gently heated the shaft before pressing into the button. All set! Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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