Fixing intonation, then saddle screw got stripped

[pers0n]

I was adjusting the intonation on my bullet, and 2 little hex screw threads that go down, well one of them is stripped now and wont hold up one side of the saddle, making it worthless

I assume this is because they are low quality metal. So now I suppose I might as well replace the entire bridge.

My saddles look similar to this

I noticed the Strat Player has saddles that have the curled edge, but i've read they are not palm muting friendly (uncomfortable)

Anyway, I'm probably going to replace the trem block also, while I'm at it.

Do you think the flat saddles are better than the curled ones?

 

[Las Palmas Norte]

D'you take the tension off the string first?
I guess you could replace the saddle or the entire bridge. Sometimes the bridge is about the same or even cheaper than just the saddles.
Maybe some one here could swing you a deal on a set of decent saddles?

Cheers, Barrie.

 

[pers0n]

D'you take the tension off the string first?
I guess you could replace the saddle or the entire bridge. Sometimes the bridge is about the same or even cheaper than just the saddles.
Maybe some one here could swing you a deal on a set of decent saddles?

Cheers, Barrie.

I didn't loosen the strings while trying fixing the intonation, maybe that was it, as I was having to adjust them a lot, but guess it was too much turning on them

 

[Guitarmageddon]

I didn't loosen the strings while trying fixing the intonation, maybe that was it, as I was having to adjust them a lot, but guess it was too much turning on them

I'm confused, you don't use the 2 height screws on each saddle to set intonation....you use the screws at the back of the bridge......

 

[Jay Jackson]

you can try to use some Teflon thread tape around the screw thread then put it back in that might give it some grab. and once it is where you want it use clear nail polish on it to help keep it in place.

 

[Ricky3Fingerd]

I'm confused, you don't use the 2 height screws on each saddle to set intonation....you use the screws at the back of the bridge......

But if you are pulling that saddle back into the bend of the string where it enters the bridge and trem block you are adding allot of downward pressure. Squeezing down on those wee height adjustment bolts

 

[Las Palmas Norte]

But if you are pulling that saddle back into the bend of the string where it enters the bridge and trem block you are adding allot of downward pressure. Squeezing down on those wee height adjustment bolts

These types of occurrences would happen when the screwdriver is turning the screw. The metal would have to be exceptionally poor to have it happen otherwise.
Cheers, Barrie.

 

[Jay Jackson]

I have never striped out one, even when I intonate the distance used in changing a note to sharp or fat isn't great enough to put much more presser down on the bridge.

 

[surf green]

To remove the stripped screw, you could loosen the string, lift the saddle with a screw driver. Take a drill with a small drill bit to spin the screw all the way through the saddle until it falls out. Get a new set of decent saddles (tusk, roller, etc) and save yourself from replacing the bridge. Could be a nice upgrade. Welcome aboard.

 

[LutherBurger]

There's no need to replace the entire assembly. I put a set of these on a Strat, and I like 'em.

https://www.guitarfetish.com/Upgrad...its-import-or-USA-Trems-Set-of-Six_p_773.html

 

[so1om]

I have both on various guitars, but much prefer blocks. There's a lot more thread engagement for the screws. The blocks also lean against each other for support. I know, very minor, but I like it.

 

[John L Rose]

I was adjusting the intonation on my bullet, and 2 little hex screw threads that go down, well one of them is stripped now and wont hold up one side of the saddle, making it worthless...

Is it the screw itself that's stripped, or the thread of the hole in the saddle?
If it's the screw, a decent hardware store should have something suitable, even if it means resorting to a Phillips head screw.

 

[LutherBurger]

I have both on various guitars, but much prefer blocks. There's a lot more thread engagement for the screws. The blocks also lean against each other for support. I know, very minor, but I like it.

I agree. Also, the strings never slide sideways on block saddles.

 

[so1om]

Is it the screw itself that's stripped, or the thread of the hole in the saddle?
If it's the screw, a decent hardware store should have something suitable, even if it means resorting to a Phillips head screw.

Likely someone here will have a replacement handy if it’s damaged.

 

[pers0n]

It's the thread hole that is damaged. I tried the teflon fix someone mentioned, but under the tension of the string (its the 6th string - big e) it collapsed again

 

[TimTheViking]

I would just get a replacement saddle and be done with it. I also loosen the strings when adjusting saddle height or intonation. It only takes a couple of seconds and takes the stress off both. When you adjust either, the string must be tuned anyway so you might as well loosen the string.

 

[pers0n]

I may just get a set, because I have to do the other strings, except for the 1st one. I guess I could try fixing them all now and see what else breaks

 

[domdavid]

Try with unlocking spray and then the tape trick. Anyway get new screws.

 

[Rodiebobw]

I was adjusting the intonation on my bullet, and 2 little hex screw threads that go down, well one of them is stripped now and wont hold up one side of the saddle, making it worthless

I assume this is because they are low quality metal. So now I suppose I might as well replace the entire bridge.

My saddles look similar to this

I noticed the Strat Player has saddles that have the curled edge, but i've read they are not palm muting friendly (uncomfortable)

Anyway, I'm probably going to replace the trem block also, while I'm at it.

Do you think the flat saddles are better than the curled ones?

I think you can get those grub screws pretty cheap, like you though im thinking of changing out the bridge.. The Block saddles seem to travel some the tops bevel out slightly.. I think the bent steel Saddles are stock on Squire Stratocasters.. Seems there 3-4 different saddles.. Our Block saddles, The Bent steel Six screw and the two screw.. The guys here know more than I do...Also kind of wondering if you could replace the Block saddles with the bent steel. I Doubt the plate would hold em.. Different size..

 

[Ricky3Fingerd]

I would like to mention that the "MIM/Import full-size steel tremblock and bridge assembly" on gfs fit awesome on my SE and made me pretty happy MINUS the bent steel saddles. two stripped and they were even under tension at all. They dont thread those bent steel saddles they just use oversize screws and hope they stay snug. Awful design. I ended up using the squire zinc ones till I decide it's worth 20 shipping to Mail a 15 dollar set of saddles I guess.