Spacers/washers on truss rods - what does it do?

[kennyhowes]

In the case of Rickenbackers, at the headstock end of the rods.

When is it applicable, and what is the result? Discuss.

[jps]

If you are referring to washers between the nuts and the spacer bar, that is smart engineering practice to minimize damage to the bearing surfaces while turning the adjusting nuts.

[weemac]

If you are referring to washers between the nuts and the spacer bar, that is smart engineering practice to minimize damage to the bearing surfaces while turning the adjusting nuts.

Oh, I love it when you talk all technical!

Eden.

[jps]

That's what she says!

[electrofaro]

What material do you want the spacers/washers to be? We can't discuss without full details known

[jps]

As unimaginative as it sounds I use stainless steel washers, so no matter how much lathering/rotating forces they get on the surfaces they shouldn't rust or deform.

[kennyhowes]

I should clarify: I'm referring to using washers etc to get the neck more straight when adjusting the rods.

[jps]

You mean if you run out of thread on the rods? I take you are talking about the modern rods, not the old style folded rods? If the former then you might want to take a look at the heel end of the rods to see if they are being pulled into the channels. This is a different issue than at the headstock end.

[johnallg]

You mean if you run out of thread on the rods? I take you are talking about the modern rods, not the old style folded rods? If the former then you might want to take a look at the heel end of the rods to see if they are being pulled into the channels. This is a different issue than at the headstock end.

A later 90s/early 2000s issue.

[Kopfjaeger]

Kenny,

Have you run out of threads?? I agree about using the washers either as as sacrificial medium or as a gall prevention device between the hard nut and the softer block. if you've run out of threads and you still have too much relief in the neck, that's another issue.

Sepp

[s4001]

I've gotten brass sleeves at the hardware store. They cut real easy with a hand saw to whatever length you need.