Widening screw holes to put strap locks on

SunDevil

I've just picked up a rather wonderful 335 and for convenience I'd like to put strap locks on it

It's never been an issue before to just screw the slightly larger diameter screws that come with the Dunlop straplocks into the existing strap button holes, but in this case, there's too big a difference to comfortably plough on with forcing the strap lock screws in

I did consider just leaving it as-is and using retainer washers, but I tend to leave straps on guitars when they're in circulation (always off in the case) and I'm concerned that the leatherette Ernie ball polypro strap ends will burn the nitro if left in contact with the body (the strap locks move the strap another 1/4" away from the body, so it's no longer an issue.)

..also concerned about dropping the bugger whilst fiddling around putting the strap on each time if I just take it off!

I'm thinking that a hand drill (screwdriver action type) is probably the way to go, but would appreciate it if someone could fill me in on the gold standard way to do this myself?

Cheers

Baz

ICBM

If you really can't get them in, a small hand drill and a succession of drill sizes so you open them out by the minimum possible amount.

That said, I can't remember ever having to do this on any guitar - and I must have fitted literally hundreds of them - you want the screws really tight, so there's no possibility of them working loose and defeating the whole point of a straplock. Just make sure you use a screwdriver which fits the head of the straplock screw properly so it doesn't chew it up.

SunDevil

Cheers @ICBM - definitely wasn't having any of it this time, but now sorted with the application of some lateral thought! :-)

..rather than widen the screw hole to fit the strap lock screw, I took another wood screw of the same size and put it into the chuck of the Dremel and ran the head against a file until it was small enough to drop through the strap lock button - fits perfectly snugly

It turned out only to be the button at the base of the neck that was an issue, the tailpiece button was a straight swap for the strap lock screw

Took all of 5 mins in the end!