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I have a epiphone broadway elite and the switch nut is in tight. What tool would you use to loosen that switch nut?
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01-30-2024 01:53 AM
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Is that the one with a round knurled nut that has two slots on either side of the switch knob, rather than a hex nut? The tool for that would look like a screwdriver with a horseshoe shaped or fork shaped two prong blade. Failing having one of those, you might be able to just put a small screwdriver blade into one of the slots and gently tap tap tap until it loosens up enough to take it off the rest of the way with your fingers.
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Or snap ring pliers, if that's the type of nut. Straight snap ring pliers can work if it's a knurled nut with no slots, but it's tough.
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The last thing I want to do is booger it up. I have many guitars but the BROADWAY elite is amazing and I don't want to screw anything up as far as looks. I tried over a hundred guitars before I found this one, it has the goods tone and looks. Not going to do anything to mess it up. Will leave it be if I can't find the tool. It's the knurled nut with two small slots in the top of it.
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Snap ring pliers will do it. The ones with a 90 degree bend are better, but straight can work. Just be very careful when it loosens, and don't let the switch fall into the guitar. It can be difficult to get it back into place. The best tool for replacing it is the helping hand. StewMac sells them for a big profit, but they're easy to make from a wire clothes hanger once you see how they're made. If you must have the exact tool, and are willing to pay the price, it's here: https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tool...-switch-wrench
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I can vouch for this StewMac tool. Used properly. It is superb. And safe.
Originally Posted by sgosnell
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. Originally Posted by rolijen
I know that tool will work when it's a Gibson guitar and the nut is on top of the rubber grommet but when the switch and nut are recessed in the grommet like the Epiphone Broadway it is a very tight fit. When I look at it it looks like there is not enough room even if you jab it in.
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Ah. I’ve used the StewMac tool for removing and upgrading the wiring harness and pickups in many a Korean and Chinese Broadway, but never an Elitist. I hope you find a solution. Originally Posted by timsmcm
Could you share a close-up photo of the ring nut in the recessed area? I can let you know if I think the tool will work.
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Here is a picture
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Multi-purpose guitar nut cube - 5 in 1 handy shop tool - Philadelphia Luthier Tools & Supplies, LLC
At some time I got a two prong tool, I can't remember where I got it though. Sorry.
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Question is, is there a lip under that round nut that is set into a groove inside the grommet? I have to admit, if I did not absolutely have to remove that switch I would not do so. I think a prong tool is still going to be the best option there.
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That picture is misleading also. Those slots in the top of that nut are very small. Way smaller than any of my les Paul's or other guitars with switchcraft type nuts. I was hoping there was still some kind of screwdriver type tool that matched those slots in the nut. That stew Mac tool looks great for all other selector switch nut setups.
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IMO snap ring pliers with 90 degree tips is the tool for this. There is plenty of rubber to absorb small slips, and the area around the grommet can be protected with low-tack painter's tape for insurance. The 90 degree tips let you press them down into the slots without much danger of slippage, while giving maximum torque for turning. Any straight tool is going to be more dangerous, IMO. I wouldn't remove the switch unless it was absolutely necessary, but sometimes it becomes necessary. But I'm just another stranger on the internet, so do whatever you think best.
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Am I reading this right? You think it's too tight and just want to loosen it a little? That's the end? Man leave it alone and play the guitar.
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In all these post where does it say i think it's too tight. I want to change out the whole electric system in the guitar. Have everything ready to go. Except the switch nut. Originally Posted by AllanAllen
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Originally Posted by timsmcm
The bold stuff. You never said you were replacing the electrics. Now that it's cleared up... I'll go away.The last thing I want to do is booger it up. I have many guitars but the BROADWAY elite is amazing and I don't want to screw anything up as far as looks. I tried over a hundred guitars before I found this one, it has the goods tone and looks. Not going to do anything to mess it up. Will leave it be if I can't find the tool. It's the knurled nut with two small slots in the top of it.
once the pickup is out you might be able to reach inside and twist it loose from the inside.
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the tool JBN linked says it's good for Japanese guitars, maybe that'll help Originally Posted by timsmcm
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Won't work the nut us below the surface of the grommet and the grommet is very tight around the knurling. Originally Posted by wintermoon
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if it were me I'd make up a tool w a small block of wood and a couple thin pieces of metal glued in to reach down to engage the nut slots. Originally Posted by timsmcm
I did that once to remove a Charlie Christian tailpiece/cup assembly
but failing that....
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Taking off my guitar player hat and putting on my general practical DIYers hat: I guess you must've tried this but surely you could get two small flat head screw drivers that'll comfortably fit the two slots and try to turn the nut. If too tight then bridge the drivers together above the switch tip with some kind of clamp using what ever you've got. This should give some leverage and you can use some downward pressure.
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Two screwdrivers will inevitably slip and cause damage.
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The 2 notches are one's only hope to grip the nut. None of the proprietary tools suggested so far are any good for the job. It's not a job to be performed in a gung ho fashion. Originally Posted by sgosnell
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That is the main reason that I came here. They used to make a tool that looked like a screw driver and the bottom looked like a socket with two teeth. But I'll be darned (would liked to have used a little harsher word there) if I can find one. Don't even remember the name. Originally Posted by garybaldy
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l imagine the tool that you are referring would not 'straddle' over the switch tip anyway. I could be wrong. Originally Posted by timsmcm
I've never encountered this problem myself but feel sure one could make up some sort of gadget out of 2 mini screw drivers. I appreciate it will have to be a very careful operation but I can't see any other way.
You could take it to a luthier but it doesn't really require the specialist luthier skills. It's taking a nut off a thread - a task, albeit tricky in this case, carried out in many walks of life.
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I appreciate your cavalier attitude but it's my guitar not yours. I have tried two small screwdrivers with a bigger screwdriver to try to turn the assembly, to tight could go no further without fear of wrecking some thing. Originally Posted by garybaldy
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