Strap Button install. I’m TERRIFIED!

[givempills]

My beloved Martin CEO-9 came without a strap button on the heel of the neck, and i’m ok with that, but would love to play it standing. I tried the head stock “strap” option and i feel like i’m standing in a “bow and arrow!”

I’ve watched some videos about setting up for drilling a hole to install a button, but i can see it now…..my drill “walking” away from
me
and damaging the guitar……

I’ll be sure to use an appropriate drill bit, and mark the depth as to not go too deep. I consider myself somewhat handy, but usually my “wood working projects” or attempts at carpentry around the house don’t go as planned.

I’ll take any and all advice..thanks everyone! -Bill

[Sev112]

I know what you mean

Use masking tape on surface so that the bit doesn’t slip

Put masking tape around the drill bit to set the depth to drill to, esp if it’s a bolt on neck

The Taylor position is comfortable

Measure at least twice

[doctone]

Sotch tape will work even better, use high RPM and almost no pressure on the drill until it has found its position.

[Will B.]

Look up "dubbing" drill bits. It doesn't tear out the surrounding wood when it enters. Mark the hole with a small center punch or finishing nail and the bit won't wander. Run the drill in reverse until the hole is started.
Best of luck with it!

[Fathand]

Use a center punch or even a nail and make a small indentation where you want to drill. It will help stop the drill from wandering.

[Mark Hatcher]

I recommend Fisch brad point drill bits. Make a dent with a gimlet, center punch or even a nail, put the brad of your drill in the dent and feel the terror melt (not walk) away.

[YamahaGuy]

I put the guitar on a stand to help steady it. I've done so many, I take for granted my comfort level -- this after scratching a brand new Yamaha LL16M and breaking a screw in the maple neck of my buddy's Washburn flush and having to drill and tap it out.

Good luck.

Add some wax to the screw and only use a brand new screw. Use the best screw driver money can buy installing the screw.

[Mandobart]

I use parafin on EVERY wood screw I install, including heel strap buttons. Just drag the threads through the surface of a solid parafin block before screwing it in.

Use a punch, awl, or hand pressure on a drill bit to create a small divot for the bit to sit in before using an electric drill.

[martingitdave]

If you only have one CEO-9, take it to someone who knows what they are doing. I do these all the time now. But the first time I did it, I messed it up. For $20, I let the shop do it when it's convenient.

[givempills]

Thanks everyone for your advice….I especially liked yours, Dave. I gotta find a shop somewhere around here…..shouldn’t be terrible

Bill

[Brent Hutto]

I would just add a suggestion (for next time when you're ready to do one yourself ) to start with a pilot hole using a very small bit.

If you do all the precautions:

1) put masking tape to keep the drill from walking
2) start with a teensy pilot hole
3) do the main hole with a bit whose size equals the minor diameter of the screw
4) use tape on the drill bits to limit depth

It will go just fine.

[Methos1979]

Here you go - you're welcome.

Installing a front strap button in the 'Taylor' position (heel)

[redir]

Originally Posted by Mark Hatcher

I recommend Fisch brad point drill bits. Make a dent with a gimlet, center punch or even a nail, put the brad of your drill in the dent and feel the terror melt (not walk) away.

100%. Works like a charm.