Official Luthiers Forum!

I have always joined my necks with dovetail joints. I'm finally going to try one with hanger bolts. I've gone to all of the large hardware stores in my area and can only find zinc plated and brass hanger bolts. Do any of you who use this neck connection method use either of these types, or do you have a source for regular steel or stainless hanger bolts?

Thanks in advance.

J

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michael propsom
www.propsomguitars.com

I do not use inline inserts. I use cross down nut in stead ala Bill Cumpaino. These are easy to find at your local hardware store and because they go across the grain of the tenon they will not pull out. depending on the ones your hardware store carries you may have to grind about a 1/16" off one end of their length.

Lee Valley is a good source for the hardware Michael suggests.

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Thanks for the suggestions, but I'm really looking to use hanger bolts. Does anyone out there who uses them use zinc plated or brass bolts--or do you have a source for stainless or regular steel ones? Thanks.
J

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michael propsom
www.propsomguitars.com

I used galvinized because thats what is at our hardware store. boltdepot.com will sell individual plain steel for about .40 each plus shipping, stainless for about 2.00 each.
Bill

I have been thinking about using them on a future guitar. I bought some (steel) at the local Lowes not too long ago. I suppose if you can't find any local you could try McMaster-Carr (they call them wood-screw threaded studs).

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53% of all statistics are made up on the spot
http://driftwoodguitars.blogspot.com/

The hardware suggested by Michael also has a very classy look compared to the end of the hanger bolt and it's nut.

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

I buy plain steel ones at my local home depot. A nice label over the holes works very well to hide things if it concerns you although I wouldn't consider the exposed heads of furniture bolts any more attractive. I prefer them to cross dowels only because, at least in my mind, they are less susceptible to cracking the tenon if overtightened as well as being very easy to install. I do recess the nuts as well.

Thanks to all for your input and info. Regarding the bolt holes: Because I stamp my s/n on the heel block, and a label would cover it, I plan on filling the 3/4" dia. recesses with contrasting plugs. Once again, thanks to all.

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michael propsom
www.propsomguitars.com

I think I've gotten steel ones from Rockler in the past.

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Mike

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh." The Stranger

I use plain steel hangar bolts from the hardware store with stainless nuts to avoid seizing if they should ever see moisture. I figure that if a neck reset causes misalignment, the holes through the neck block could be elongated a bit; the smaller neck block needed with hangar bolts would result in a small upward displacement in the hole, perhaps half or less of the amount taken off the heel for a reset.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com