Tightening the output jack on Starfire I bass

[fronobulax]

I'd be happier if the jack were tighter. What are my options if I try and do it myself and don't invest in special tools?

I know if I just "spin" the jack from the outside I run the risk of disconnecting a wire. I doubt that I have the coordination and patience to go through the f hole to somehow secure the jack while turning it from the outside. I probably lack any tools too, unless I get lucky bending a wire coat hanger. Ideas?

If I have to break down and get a tool, any comments on StewMac's Bullet Guitar Jack Tightener?

Bullet Guitar Jack Tightener - StewMac

Pocket-size fix for loose jacks!

www.stewmac.com

Thanks.

 

[Default]

Two chopsticks, one cut on a shallow bevel. Put one through the jack, fat end in, then insert the one with the bevel until it prevents the jack from turning.

 

[BradHK]

I'd be happier if the jack were tighter. What are my options if I try and do it myself and don't invest in special tools?

I know if I just "spin" the jack from the outside I run the risk of disconnecting a wire. I doubt that I have the coordination and patience to go through the f hole to somehow secure the jack while turning it from the outside. I probably lack any tools too, unless I get lucky bending a wire coat hanger. Ideas?

If I have to break down and get a tool, any comments on StewMac's Bullet Guitar Jack Tightener?

Bullet Guitar Jack Tightener - StewMac

Pocket-size fix for loose jacks!

www.stewmac.com

Thanks.

I have the Bullet Jack tool and it has worked well with no issues.

 

[Nuuska]

After reading the description of StewMac-tool I'm inclined towards @Default 's idea.

Reasoning :

StewMac-tool presses the jack body deeper into gutar - thus resisting the nut turning.

Chopstiks - if you push the beveled stick in first - then the shim - then pull first stick back up - the connector body is where it is supposed to be and does not resist the nut.

Sort of same idea that keeps acoustic guitar strings in bridge holes - which leads to optional idea :

Push acoustic guitar string ball-end into jack - insert suitable rod to prevent the ball from coming out - pull the string tight - tighten the nut!

Voila'

 

[GAD]

I have a set of user-flat wrenches that I got somewhere. I just use those and grab the jack with needle-nose pliers.

They're probably these:

Guitar Tech Wrench Set - StewMac

A handy set of 3 steel wrenches for guitar techs and players.

www.stewmac.com

Fabulous wrenches for working on guitars, mostly because they're always with my guitar tools and never get "borrowed" for something else.

 

[AcornHouse]

I have the Bullet and it does it’s job.

 

[Guildedagain]

Never heard of the bullet, but it sounds like a tool well worth having.

 

[lungimsam]

In every instance, get the nut lightly finger snugged before using a tool. That way you don’t need much of a rotation with the tool to get it tight.
Also, if enough of the jack collar sticks out, you can mark it with a magic marker as a reference point to see if it rotated or not during the tightening process.

I use one of two methods:

1. Stew Mac bullet. You shouldn’t need to push it in too hard. Don’t need to turn it much. Easy to do.

2. (my favorite) If enough of the jack sticks out you can grab it with needle nose pliers to hold it in place while you use a wrench to tighten the nut. Grab the jack with the pliers as in : The pliers tip points at the bass and one of the pliers tips is inside the jack collar, one is outside.
Like pinching your nostril with your fingers with your thumb inside the nostril and your index outside the nostril.

In any event there is no need to use force to do this.

 

[Wilmywood]

Never heard of the bullet, but it sounds like a tool well worth having.

Sure would beat the expense of having the wiring repaired.

 

[fronobulax]

Thanks. I will probably try the chopsticks too. Needlnose pliers end up being an instrument of destruction in my hands since I inevitably grab the wrong thing first.

 

[lungimsam]

This other method uses a wall anchor:

 

[GAD]

I swear I have a completely different tool for this now that I keep seeing this thread...

 

[GAD]

Nope. I was thinking of this thing for removing toggle switch rings:

https://www.amazon.com/StewMac-Adjustable-Toggle-Switch-Wrench/dp/B01HYB9TEU

 

[Nuuska]

10+ for the wall anchor methode