Toggle switch removal tool?

[hamerhead]

I need to remove the toggle switch from my Shishkov without wrecking anything. It's got the knurled nut with two slots, but because it's on the upper bout (arched area) it's slightly recessed and a very tight fit. Any other guitar and I'd take a tiny screwdriver and gently tap it loose. Not this time.

I can grind a deep socket down to make work, but can anybody point me towards the proper, correct tool?

[kizanski]

StewMac makes one. 

[cmatthes]

You could also contact Mike.  The tool to remove is the same used to install…

😉

[hamerhead]

I could.....but I just don't like bothering him. He's a busy guy. Plus, his is probably some custom job that he designed and patented himself, with a Spruce and Bubinga handle and real pearl inlays all up the side. It's a little pricey but has the acoustic voice of angels.

[kizanski]

Here you go.

[hamerhead]

Thanks Kiz, but I just looked again - there's no space to fit a tool like that one AROUND the nut. I'm going to need something with 2 tabs to fit into the 2 notches in the ring from above. I just found a picture of this, which is perfect:

As a machinist, I love how precise Mike's work is. As a DIYer, I hate how precise Mike's work is.

[kizanski]

12 minutes ago, hamerhead said:

...there's no space to fit a tool like that one AROUND the nut...

That's what you get for putting the toggle switch up there.

[hamerhead]

I AM such an idiot. BUT.....

Going through the toolbox, I find a deep Craftsman 7/16 socket that fits perfectly (made cheap w/ thin walls). I could mill some tabs on it and make it all pretty and shit, but I'm just gonna hit it on the belt sander and call it a day. I think I got this.....

....until I chip out the finish around the nut....

[Dave Scepter]

1 hour ago, hamerhead said:

Going through the toolbox, I find a deep Craftsman 7/16 socket that fits perfectly (made cheap w/ thin walls). I could mill some tabs on it and make it all pretty and shit, but I'm just gonna hit it on the belt sander and call it a day. I think I got this.....

I've used 90° C-clip pliers with flat blade ends

[gtrdaddy]

1 hour ago, hamerhead said:

I AM such an idiot. BUT.....

Going through the toolbox, I find a deep Craftsman 7/16 socket that fits perfectly (made cheap w/ thin walls). I could mill some tabs on it and make it all pretty and shit, but I'm just gonna hit it on the belt sander and call it a day. I think I got this.....

....until I chip out the finish around the nut....

Tim, there are really cheap specialty spanner nut tools for toggle switch application. Mouser Electronics has them, if you're in a hurry an Amazon El Cheapo or eBay variety should work well.

They're available in a lot of sizes, make sure to get the right one.

https://www.mouser.com/c/?q=Spanner Nut Tool 

 

https://www.amazon.com/ZYCST-Aluminum-Control-Transmitter-Installation/dp/B089H2KG17/ref=sr_1_29?keywords=toggle+switch+nut&qid=1636987953&qsid=146-9287813-1675910&sr=8-29&sres=B07TT4HN6R%2CB07TVC358Y%2CB07TWFWN36%2CB00OF5KF9C%2CB07NW9M5R1%2CB08CVJYLFC%2CB01IBDYI64%2CB07VXCZNZ3%2CB01IBF0ODS%2CB07NWBLTZ3%2CB00JWZDD4Y%2CB0056J0I8O%2CB06XVXNCSK%2CB01GD08WMI%2CB07TT459KX%2CB00JWZDGGO%2CB07PYZC2RW%2CB07BV43TJK%2CB01GCWCV24%2CB07BV1Z2X4 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222809811801 

[topekatj]

Put some painter tape adjacent to the switch nut on the guitar top. Spread the tips of some really pointy needle nose pliers to fit the notches. Twist the plier handles CCW. Slowly.  Good Luck!

[kizanski]

Hammer and chisel and be done with it.  

[hamerhead]

14 hours ago, kizanski said:

Hammer and chisel and be done with it.  

Were you there when I installed my first whammy on an Explorer (copy, not the real thing....)??

[Stike]

On 11/15/2021 at 8:08 AM, hamerhead said:

Thanks Kiz, but I just looked again - there's no space to fit a tool like that one AROUND the nut. I'm going to need something with 2 tabs to fit into the 2 notches in the ring from above. I just found a picture of this, which is perfect:

As a machinist, I love how precise Mike's work is. As a DIYer, I hate how precise Mike's work is.

I have one of those and the opening is adjustable, place it over the nut and give it a twist and it locks onto the side of the nut. Just make a guard to protect the finish from something like a piece of an empty plastic milk jug.

[Dave Scepter]

Also, have you tried turning the switch from the backside... often turning a little will loosen enough to remove the collar nut

[kizanski]

1 hour ago, Dave Scepter said:

Also, have you tried turning the switch from the backside... often turning a little will loosen enough to remove the collar nut

Pro Tip:
De-solder the wires first.

[topekatj]

@hamerheadIs this Shishkov cursed or something? Does it need an exorcism, leeching or some other sort of witchcraft to restore its plays like butta/sustains for days goodness?

[hamerhead]

It's only curse is being in my hands.

 

[kizanski]

1 hour ago, hamerhead said:

It's only curse is being in my hands.

Yeah, I don't think StewMac carries anything for that.

[hamerhead]

On 11/17/2021 at 7:08 AM, Dave Scepter said:

Also, have you tried turning the switch from the backside... often turning a little will loosen enough to remove the collar nut

That worked!

It's a super tight fit, but I was able to turn it just enough for the nut to loosen up just enough to very carefully unscrew it with a small screwdriver. WHOOHOO! Thanks, Dave!

And as I'm shopping on Amazon for a replacement switch, it turns out I bought one for another project (like 4 years ago) and never used it.

So not only did the old come loose without damaging anything (!), I didn't have to spring for another switch (saved $25)!  Best. Day. EVER.

I'm buying a lottery ticket.

[Dave Scepter]

3 hours ago, hamerhead said:

That worked!

It's a super tight fit, but I was able to turn it just enough for the nut to loosen up just enough to very carefully unscrew it with a small screwdriver. WHOOHOO! Thanks, Dave!

Yay! & You're welcome & reverse for new installation... just be careful... "tiny turns"

Oh & unless you're Dave Meniketti, I seriously doubt that switch is bad & just may need some Deoxit & run a piece of paper through the contacts... "for next time"

[Jeff R]

I have the SM handled tool to which Kiz referred, it works great. This is also a great tool for all knurled round and hex heads. Google "ESP Multi Spanner." $12-15 from a variety of sources.