Removing tight ferrules on nitro Tele

scarry67

The ferrules on my Tele partscaster are stuck in as they were a very tight fit. The nitro finish is slightly flaking from the body around a couple of the ferrules which aren’t quite flush. Ideally I’d replace them with aged finish ones but sense I’m likely to flake off the finish more if I try to lift them out. Any recommendations on getting them out or should I leave well alone? 

scarry67

Should add they have the “lip” over the ferrule hole…

ICBM

Take the bridge off and tap them out from the top with a tool which fits down the body hole but not through the ferrule.

guitarcookie1

ICBM said:

Take the bridge off and tap them out from the top with a tool which fits down the body hole but not through the ferrule.

I’ve found that a suitable Allen key works well for this. 

scarry67

Would rotating the ferrules out be less likely to crack and lift the nitro finish than tapping them down?

WezV

A little heat from a soldering iron will help them come out cleanly.  Just be gentle with it and try to push them out from the front of the body if possible

scarry67

Thanks for the ideas everyone. Will get some narrower shaft replacements ready for weekend attempt.

SteveRobinson

scarry67 said:

The ferrules on my Tele partscaster are stuck in as they were a very tight fit. The nitro finish is slightly flaking from the body around a couple of the ferrules which aren’t quite flush. 

If you just want to make the proud ferrules flush, try pressing them in using a soldering iron which will melt the lacquer.

https://manchesterguitartech.co.uk/2011/08/17/inserting-telecaster-string-ferrules-using-a-soldering-iron/

ICBM

scarry67 said:

Thanks for the ideas everyone. Will get some narrower shaft replacements ready for weekend attempt.

I wouldn’t - you want them tight. Just make sure they can seat fully in the holes, which will be a depth issue not diameter if they go in at all. (Or a raised burr on the surface.)