Holes for the neck screws?

Fuengi

I've just ordered a Strat Callaham bridge assembly and have been looking through their website at setups and modification tips.

One of the quick and easy mods he recommends is to open up the screw holes on the body of the neck joint so that they don't bite the screws. He says that by opening up these holes you get a better neck to body connection.

Anyone done this or have any concerns about doing it? 

ICBM

Ideally the holes should be exactly the same diameter as the outside of the screw threads, so the screws pass through without any friction.

Fuengi

ICBM said:

Ideally the holes should be exactly the same diameter as the outside of the screw threads, so the screws pass through without any friction.

That's what he says. I'll drill them out with the correct sized drill bit when I install the bridge / tremolo unit later.   

paulnb57

Fuengi said:

ICBM said:

Ideally the holes should be exactly the same diameter as the outside of the screw threads, so the screws pass through without any friction.

That's what he says. I'll drill them out with the correct sized drill bit when I install the bridge / tremolo unit later.   

Go steady when you drill them larger, if the drill bit grabs, it can split the wood along the grain to the open end of the neck socket, ask me how I know......seriously ruins your day!...

axisus

ICBM said:

Ideally the holes should be exactly the same diameter as the outside of the screw threads, so the screws pass through without any friction.

That's what I have always done. For one thing it is the logical way to get a tighter fit between body and neck, but it also gives a bit more leeway for adjusting neck position a tad.

SteveRobinson

I find a 4.5mm bit ideal for Fender screws.

sweepy

Some Fender screws are not threaded along the whole length so it makes no difference for them, I must admit that it’s never been a problem in 40 odd years of guitar tinkering