Strat tremolo system

Hootsmon

How come the string tension doesn't pull them 2 wee screws out at the back of the tremolo cavity?

Anybuddy got a pic or animation of the system in action?

dbphoto

Wee screws?  The have been pretty big in every Strat I have owned.

robgilmo

You mean the claw screws?

Hootsmon

^ yeah 

ICBM

http://active-guitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Fendertremolopatentsketch.png

The distance from the pivot point (the top edge of the bridgeplate) to the string tension point (the top of the bridge saddles) is only about 3/8", but the distance from the pivot point to the spring tension point (the back of the block) is about 1-3/4" - around five times as great. So the force the springs need to apply is only a fifth of the string tension.

richardhomer

Probably the same reason that string tension doesn’t pull the 3 or 4 screws out that hold the neck to the body....

Bennyboy-UK

or hold a door on its hinges...

Bennyboy-UK

perhaps its magic?

Hootsmon

Thanks Guys 

solomonguitars

Those 2 screws are long enough to stay in the body. Because the tension is linear and not going on sides - the body doesn't get worn. Screwes are angled to raise their friction.