Removing a trem stud

[jkemmery]

I have an old Strat equipped with a Kahler, that I don't like. I want to install either a Wilk or a Floyd, but want to pull the old Kahler studs out and fill the holes first. Does anyone know the best way to go about doing this?

[dd842]

jkemmery said:

I have an old Strat equipped with a Kahler, that I don't like. I want to install either a Wilk or a Floyd, but want to pull the old Kahler studs out and fill the holes first. Does anyone know the best way to go about doing this?

Hi jkemmery,

You have probably already looked here - I believe these are for some stud mounted kahlers:

www.kahlerparts.com/Zips/2200-2300%20Series%20Adjustments%20and%20Setups.pdf

Hope it might help.

Dan

[hammeroff]

I've never had to pull studs out of an ax, however I have had to fill holes for bridges.

The best way I've found was to actually bore-out the holes, and glue in a dowel chunk, with some wood-glue. It's more work that just packing in wood-filler, but it works so good.

[vonFrenchie]

Also the wood glue is actually stronger than the wood in the guitar. Wood-filler may not be.

[jkemmery]

Thanks for your replies! I know have a good idea of what to do once I can get those things out. I'm still wondering what the best method of actually removing them might be ... I'm leery of using a prying aparatus for fear of marring the finish of the guitar. It seems there should be a method of making a screw type puller, similar to a motorcycle clutch puller ... any more thoughts? Thanks again.

[dd842]

jkemmery said:

... I'm leery of using a prying aparatus for fear of marring the finish of the guitar.

If your fear is strictly marring the finish*, you could just put a chamois under a piece of plywood (say 6" x 6" or so), and put both between the prybar and the guitar.

That way the force of the prybar is distributed over the (large flat surface of the) plywood, which should avoid any marring or indentation by the prybar.

And, just to be safe, you also have the chamois underneathe the plywood to avoid any scratching.

Would that work?

Dan

edit - * I am inferring that you recognize and accept that there may or may not be some damage caused by actually pulling the stud, but you don't want actual prybar marks on your guitar ... is that what you mean?

[darguitar]

Stewmac.com sell a tool for this exact job. I use it all the time when I have to replace customers stud's and control knobs. I've never marked a guitar yet and it's idiot proof to use!! It's designed to remove stubborn control knobs (volume/tone) and also comes with an attachment for removing bridge/stop tail piece studs. I think it's called a Knob/Bushing Puller.
Hope this helps,
D

[dd842]

darguitar said:

Stewmac.com sell a tool for this exact job. I use it all the time when I have to replace customers stud's and control knobs. I've never marked a guitar yet and it's idiot proof to use!! It's designed to remove stubborn control knobs (volume/tone) and also comes with an attachment for removing bridge/stop tail piece studs. I think it's called a Knob/Bushing Puller.
Hope this helps,
D

Hi Dar - and Welcome to the forums at Guitar Nuts 2! ;D

Good find - you sound like the kind of guy we want around here.

Dan

[jkemmery]

Yes, that's the thing I need, $35 is a bit steep, but, considering the consequences of trying it another way and screwing it up, not bad. Thanks! darguitar gets a karma point!