What Kinda Lube for Truss Rods ?

[MKZ]

What kind of oil or lubricant is usually used and safe to use for the the truss rod of your guitar?

[Tim Halligan]

Never knew it was required.

Page Gabriel Hoffman for the definitive answer.

Cheers,
Tim

[MKZ]

It might not be required. I don't know. But sometimes they get stuck (due to oxidation or what not (?))

The truss rod on one of my guitars isn't stuck yet, but a little stiff, so I'm thinking better do something before it gets stuck.

[G. Hoffman]

Usually, nothing.

Gibson style truss rods are steel with a brass nut, and for whatever reason (I'm not a metallurgist) that means they don't need anything. That's what I use, and so that is what I know best.

From time to time, though, with other styles of rods you might need just the tiniest drop of something. Normal household light oil is fine (3-in-1 oil, or whatever it is called), but we usually use a more modern Teflon lube called Tri-Flow.

For the most part, though, don't do anything. This is something that will only ever need to be done if there is a problem, and even then no more than one tiny drop every 20 years or so, if even that frequently!


Gabriel

[Brendo]

Is it possible to overlubricate a truss rod, and therefore cause neck instability?

[Pimp-X]

something something lube something something

[G. Hoffman]

Is it possible to overlubricate a truss rod, and therefore cause neck instability?



Look, just don't do it. Seriously, it is something that, working on 2000 guitars a year, we do once a year, maybe twice. At most - probably less. If you're not careful, the stuff gets all over the place, it contaminates the wood, and it makes any future repair work in the area all but impossible. I don't know about making the neck unstable, but it certainly isn't helping anything.

Yes, there are times when it needs to be done if the truss rod is really tight or is sticking for some reason, but there is almost no reason for you to ever do it yourself. It just isn't needed.


Gabriel

[MKZ]

Look, just don't do it. Seriously, it is something that, working on 2000 guitars a year, we do once a year, maybe twice. At most - probably less. If you're not careful, the stuff gets all over the place, it contaminates the wood, and it makes any future repair work in the area all but impossible. I don't know about making the neck unstable, but it certainly isn't helping anything.

Yes, there are times when it needs to be done if the truss rod is really tight or is sticking for some reason, but there is almost no reason for you to ever do it yourself. It just isn't needed.


Gabriel

Thanks Gabriel.

So, you'd recommend taking my guitar to a pro if it the truss rod is tight? as opposed to finding this Tri-flo stuff.

[G. Hoffman]

Thanks Gabriel.

So, you'd recommend taking my guitar to a pro if it the truss rod is tight? as opposed to finding this Tri-flo stuff.


Yes. A little more experience is a good thing to tell if its actually tight, or just stuck.


Gabriel

[nobby]

I think Gabe's comments are insensitive considering that truss rod lube salespersons are undergoing tough times.

:vuvu:

[John Eppstein]

Cherry flavor lube is good......:Roll eyes:

[G. Hoffman]

Cherry flavor lube is good......:Roll eyes:

What are you doing licking truss rods?


Gabriel

[nobby]

These Frisco people, honestly.