Stripped Guitar Strap Button? Here’s the Easy Fix #GuitarRepair #GuitarMaintenance, by AJ | Guitar in Context on YouTube. 1 min 53 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 53 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes plus overnight dryi
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Take the strap off the button and unscrew the button with a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe, you will reuse it.
Tip the instrument so loose wood dust and old glue flakes fall out of the hole. Blow into the hole to clear what is left.
Break two or three toothpicks into short pieces about as deep as the hole. Keep the pointed ends so they slide in easily.
Squeeze a small blob of wood glue into the hole. Coat the inside without letting glue run onto the finish.
Push the toothpick pieces in pointed end first until the hole is packed and feels tight. Tap them in with the screwdriver handle if needed.
Snap the toothpicks off level with the surface. Wipe any glue squeeze-out with a damp cloth before it sets.
Let the glue cure fully. Leave it overnight, and longer is better if the hole was large.
Line the strap button up with the packed hole and drive the original screw back in. Stop when it feels snug.
Fit the strap over the button and pull gently to test the hold. If the button spins or pulls out, stop and see a guitar repair tech.
Tips and common mistakes
Use wood glue, not superglue or epoxy, which set brittle and can damage the finish.
Do not overtighten the screw, or you will strip the fresh wood fibres all over again.
Wear safety glasses when snapping toothpicks, since small splinters can fly.
If the hole is very wide or the wood around it is cracked, glue in a hardwood dowel plug instead and redrill a pilot hole.
Questions
Can I use superglue instead of wood glue?
No. Wood glue soaks into the toothpicks and the surrounding wood and dries hard but not brittle. Superglue can crack the finish and makes a second repair much harder.
How long before I can put the strap back on?
Wait until the glue is fully cured, ideally overnight. Testing too early can pull the toothpicks loose and undo the repair.
What if the button still will not hold?
The hole may be too damaged for toothpicks. A repair tech can plug it with a dowel and drill a fresh pilot hole, which is the stronger fix.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
