Floyd string action adjustment

[scottcald]

I'm asking all the big Floyd experts in our midst.  Is it or isn't it OK to adjust the Floyd post height with strings and springs at tension?   I ask because I now see it presented both ways and people internet arguing about both ways.  Even Sweetwater's guide does it after everything is at pitch:  https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/floyd-rose-setup-guide/

I've mostly done by removing the springs, adjusting then replacing them, but I wanted to ask our own experts here.  Thanks.

[tbonesullivan]

This is something I have also heard over the years, how somehow turning the studs at tension will destroy the knife edge. I watched the ESP USA video, and they suggest moving tilting the bridge forward only to make it easier to move the studs up and down.

What I've always wondered though, is does that actually decrease the tension on the studs? The springs are still putting PLENTY of tension on the block, in fact they are putting more tension, except it's being balanced not by the strings, but by the whammy arm. Though maybe the direction of the tension is different? It's been a while since HS physics.

[scottcald]

Yeah, exactly confusing enough.  Basically, I take off the springs, and from the spring cavity push the block on each side so it's not touching the post, adjust and replace. Check it.  Repeat until I like it.  But, if I don't need to do all that, even better.  

[murkat]

you would want to preserve the fulcrum knife edges as much a possible. releasing some of that tension would greatly reduce the risk of damage to the edges and posts.

[scottcald]

1 hour ago, murkat said:

you would want to preserve the fulcrum knife edges as much a possible. releasing some of that tension would greatly reduce the risk of damage to the edges and posts.

Thanks, @murkat, I appreciate your insight.  

Just confused by both being thrown around if one method isn't good.  

[chromium]

I also err on the side of caution and go through the hassle of detuning to release string tension first.

I've seen plenty of folks not do it, though. Maybe the metals used in the cheaper Floyds are more prone to risk of damage(?)

[tbonesullivan]

4 hours ago, chromium said:

I also err on the side of caution and go through the hassle of detuning to release string tension first.

I've seen plenty of folks not do it, though. Maybe the metals used in the cheaper Floyds are more prone to risk of damage(?)

I had a cheapy Ibanez probably 20 years ago. An RG270, "single locking" (only at the nut). It had a floyd type bridge with fine tuners, but it didn't lock at the bridge.

Anyway, when I adjusted that one at tension, the knife edges literally started cutting through the posts, which look to have been something softer than steel. Like metal shavings were generated.