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Homemade switch nut tool

DANELECTRO

DANELECTRO

Well-known member
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Feb 24, 2003
Messages
6,320
I occasionally need to remove or tighten a switch nut, but not often enough to justify buying a specialized tool to do so. Here's a tool that I made from a piece of 1/2" PVC pipe that does the job just fine. The ID of the pipe is slightly smaller than the OD of a switch ring. I made a lengthwise sawcut with a bandsaw that allows the tube to spread wide enough to grip the nut. I also tapered the end of the pipe so that it doesn't scratch the face of the washer. When tightening the nut, you simply squeeze the pipe to grip the nut.

Switchnuttool010.jpg


Switchnuttool007.jpg


Switchnuttool009.jpg



If you've ever tightened a switch nut, then you know that you feel like you need a third hand, because the nut, the washer, and the switch all want to turn together. I've found the easiest way to tighten the assembly is to orient the washer where you want it and tape it in place. With the back cover removed, hold the switch to keep it from turning and tighten the nut.
 
PaulSG

PaulSG

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Dec 10, 2002
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2,188
PVC is great for making several guitar repair tools. My TP bushing puller is made from PVC and works great.

Thanks for the tip, I'll be making one of these tonight!
 
Seoighs

Seoighs

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Sep 17, 2006
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5,264
nice solution.

I've never seen anyone suggest using automotive electricians pliers...they come in several sizes and have semi-soft plastic jaws...'used to have a pair, but son borrowed them, never to be seen again. I'll post a pic if I can find one.

...another solution

softjawpliers.jpg


White background isn't the best, but if you look closely, you'll note that the each jaw is fully encased in clear (soft) plastic, with a harder (white) compound bonded to the gripping surface...overkill compared to the PVC solution. now that I think about it, two 1" pieces of 1/4" Tygon (fish tank filter) tubing slipped over the jaws of 'normal pliers would achieve the same result...and cost pennies??
 
Last edited:
Plankspanker

Plankspanker

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Jul 16, 2001
Messages
3,797
Send the pics and description to Stew-Mac, they'll publish it in their quarterly catalog and give you credit for designing it.
 
fjminor

fjminor

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Apr 28, 2005
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Thanks Danelectro .....Very cool ....I will have to give this a go....!!:salude
 
DrewB

DrewB

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Jul 15, 2001
Messages
1,443
PaulSG said:
PVC is great for making several guitar repair tools. My TP bushing puller is made from PVC and works great.
Click to expand...

Care to share pics of that one? I have a late-'60s SG special that is broken and I want to pull the TP bushings before I refinish it. I don't see the point in a $35 tool for that...
 
Beano Geno

Beano Geno

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Joined
Mar 12, 2007
Messages
3,631
DANELECTRO said:
I occasionally need to remove or tighten a switch nut, but not often enough to justify buying a specialized tool to do so. Here's a tool that I made from a piece of 1/2" PVC pipe that does the job just fine. The ID of the pipe is slightly smaller than the OD of a switch ring. I made a lengthwise sawcut with a bandsaw that allows the tube to spread wide enough to grip the nut. I also tapered the end of the pipe so that it doesn't scratch the face of the washer. When tightening the nut, you simply squeeze the pipe to grip the nut.

Switchnuttool010.jpg


Switchnuttool007.jpg


Switchnuttool009.jpg



If you've ever tightened a switch nut, then you know that you feel like you need a third hand, because the nut, the washer, and the switch all want to turn together. I've found the easiest way to tighten the assembly is to orient the washer where you want it and tape it in place. With the back cover removed, hold the switch to keep it from turning and tighten the nut.
Click to expand...

Great tool Danelectro. Easy to make and perfect for the intended job.:salude
 
DrewB

DrewB

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Jul 15, 2001
Messages
1,443
Wow, that's brilliant in its simplicity! Thanks a lot; I'll be making one of those this weekend!
 
U

Uncle Gary

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Oct 15, 2006
Messages
2,431
That's similar to the tool I use to extract Kluson style pressed in bushings from a headstock face.
 
Jurius

Jurius

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Sep 2, 2007
Messages
1,399
Danlectro, what a great idea. Thanks. I've got some 1/2 inch PVC in the basement. This looks like the perfect solution.
 
G

Grainman4558

New member
Joined
Dec 12, 2007
Messages
20
The homemade tools look like the perfect solution.
I have one that takes 2 minutes. I just had the same problem toiling with the switch ring after polishing 3 Les Pauls.
Just take you vicegrips and put masking tape over the the ends that do the griping. This allows you to griup the ring without slipping and you can remover it and tighten it without scratching or stipping the switch tip ring.
Also, with the vicegrips, it actually takes hardly any pressure or elbow grease at all to remove or tighten the ring once the grips have a hold on it.
Thanks,
 
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