Cleaning a Floyd rose

[greg068]

I was wondering what you guys used to maintain your floyd, via cleaning etc. I've had the same floyd for about 20 years and its showing its age, I remember using WD-40 to clean the rust off various parts. I'm not sure if thats how you should clean it, but that was when i didnt know any better and you didnt have the internet..lol whats the proper way to lube the parts and remove rust. Also i noticed the 2 pivot screws on my guitar body have moved forward slightly, i guess through age. Should i worry about this? Or change out the old style screw in pivot to the anchor and stud type.

Greg

[youcancallmebetty]

as far as cleaning goes, ive never tried WD40, so i cant really say if thats works well for me or not, but if youre happy with the way it works, then dont change it. lubing the floyd, i usually only lube the knife edges, and i do that with graphite. when i clean my floyds i use naptha and a Qtip.

with the posts, after 20 years, i would replace them with the anchor & studs, because posts can (and do) wear out.

without seeing your axe, i cant say whether or not you should be worried, but and movement usually isnt a very good sign. id take it to a shop you trust and have them check it out man.

\m/

[D.i.n.o]

Originally Posted by greg068

I was wondering what you guys used to maintain your floyd, via cleaning etc. I've had the same floyd for about 20 years and its showing its age, I remember using WD-40 to clean the rust off various parts. I'm not sure if thats how you should clean it, but that was when i didnt know any better and you didnt have the internet..lol whats the proper way to lube the parts and remove rust. Also i noticed the 2 pivot screws on my guitar body have moved forward slightly, i guess through age. Should i worry about this? Or change out the old style screw in pivot to the anchor and stud type.

Greg

I've always found that WD40 works well for cleaning and removing rust, so I've honestly never even bothered trying anything else.

As for your pivot screws ...
I'd say go ahead and replace them with the stud/sleeve variety while you already have the guitar taken apart. I believe the stud/sleeve combination was developed specifically because of the problem people had with the old style pivot screws coming loose and causing the wood to oval. Not to alarm you, but if you don't do something to correct it soon, it could possibly cause more damage.

JMO

[Edaholic]

Originally Posted by D.i.n.o

I've always found that WD40 works well for cleaning and removing rust, so I've honestly never even bothered trying anything else.

As for your pivot screws ...
I'd say go ahead and replace them with the stud/sleeve variety while you already have the guitar taken apart. I believe the stud/sleeve combination was developed specifically because of the problem people had with the old style pivot screws coming loose and causing the wood to oval. Not to alarm you, but if you don't do something to correct it soon, it could possibly cause more damage.

JMO

Im with Dino 100% on this one. Even the slightest movement of the post could cause intonation problems. The screw in post were technically a prototype part. But the "oval" problem caused the change to inserts. At least thats what I read.
Let me know if you wanna sell the old screw posts. Im always lookin for old rusty ones.
Another "oil" I've tried and seem to get good results is the 3 in 1 sewing machine stuff. Dont know if they still sell it. I've had my can for a long, long time. Since I use the old beat up Floyds, I use this stuff after I disassemble to lube it up. Works on brass nuts too.

[greg068]

Thanks for the advice guys, i'll get those posts out and get the anchor and stud type. Just wondering if i should take it somewhere to have done or do it myself? thanks

[D.i.n.o]

Originally Posted by greg068

Thanks for the advice guys, i'll get those posts out and get the anchor and stud type. Just wondering if i should take it somewhere to have done or do it myself? thanks

It's not a very difficult job, especially since you already have existing holes there that you can use as your guide.
I'd strongly suggest using a drill press as opposed to any sort of hand drill and be sure to use the correct size drill bit.

Also ... you may want to just double-check your intonation once you've completed the job. It may need just a "tweak".

Good luck.

[WasteGas]

WD40 and an old toothbrush to brush out dust between the nook and crannies.