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Post new topic Stringmaster - stiff tuner problem
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Author Topic:  Stringmaster - stiff tuner problem
Joe Burke

 

From:
Toronto, Canada
Post  Posted 5 Sep 2019 3:54 am    
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One of the tuners is really stiff. With a little force I can turn it, but obviously I’d like it to be smooth. There is a small opening in the pan, I’m sure for solving this.

Has anyone been through this and have any tips?

I know this has been posted many times, but I can’t seem to find the right answer.

Thanks! Here’s a pic.
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Garry Vanderlinde


From:
CA
Post  Posted 5 Sep 2019 12:59 pm     clean out tuners
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This video from Stew-Mac explains a really good method for loosening and cleaning old tuners out.
Probably more than you wanted to do, but much better than just squirting a little oil into the hole, which didn't work too well for me. And if you oil the tuners while they are one the guitar you can damage the headstock wood.

https://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Guitar_Tuning_Machine_Installation_and_Repair_Inform/How_to_clean_and_lube_dirty_old_guitar_tuners.html
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Joe Burke

 

From:
Toronto, Canada
Post  Posted 6 Sep 2019 3:56 am    
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Thanks Garry
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 6 Sep 2019 1:34 pm    
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I would pull the tuner pan and, if it has the open gears, apply some white lithium grease. Very Happy
Erv
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Joe Burke

 

From:
Toronto, Canada
Post  Posted 6 Sep 2019 7:06 pm    
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Garry Vanderlinde


From:
CA
Post  Posted 6 Sep 2019 8:11 pm    
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Well, that should make it easy... Surprised
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 7 Sep 2019 8:26 am    
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Squirt some lubricant in the holes.
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Cartwright Thompson


Post  Posted 13 Sep 2019 3:14 am    
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Do it right, watch the video from Stew Mac
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Garry Vanderlinde


From:
CA
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2019 7:54 am     Stew-Mac Method
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1. Remove tuners from guitar
2. Warm slightly
3. Flush with Naphtha, soak if necessary
4. Lubricate with Tri-Flo
5. Work tuner by winding the post
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Ian Worley


From:
Sacramento, CA
Post  Posted 13 Sep 2019 9:20 am    
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If those tuners have a lot of mileage on them (likely) the gears may be worn and/or stripped inside. If cleaning and lubrication doesn't get them working well, b0b sells new replacements here: https://www.steelguitarshopper.com/chrome-kluson-inline-tuners/
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Matt Berg


From:
Pennsylvania, USA
Post  Posted 16 Sep 2019 2:06 pm    
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Which is best, Lithium grease or TriFlo?
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David Venzke


From:
SE Michigan, USA
Post  Posted 16 Sep 2019 6:11 pm    
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I use both, sorta ...

A drop of Tri-Flo at each rotation spot and a thin coating of Synthetic PTFE (Teflon) grease on the worm gear and mating cog gear (I use a small artist's brush to put it on). The Teflon grease I use is made by Finish Line and marketed for bicycles. Even old vintage tuners work much better after lubricating with these.

Of course with these tuners, Tri-Flo is about all you can get in there ...

Matt Berg wrote:
Which is best, Lithium grease or TriFlo?
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Garry Vanderlinde


From:
CA
Post  Posted 16 Sep 2019 8:36 pm    
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Quote:

Of course with these tuners, Tri-Flo is about all you can get in there ...


Very small hole indeed and I don't know anybody who likes taking them apart.
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