Anthony_N_Ky - Posted - 11/07/2009:  20:12:49

I was reading installation info on RR spikes and didn't notice where it mentioned using an adhesive to keep the spikes in. Should a person use a little glue or not , if so what kind? Thanks

bearface - Posted - 11/07/2009:  20:33:04

i dont use any they will hold just fine

desert rose - Posted - 11/07/2009:  21:32:31

I always use glue

I consider it part of doing it to the highest quality possible

If you have taken great care to match the drill to the spike shaft it may not be "necessary", but as I said its just part of doing it as good as possible, at least when you are charging people their hard earned money to do it

I use superglue

Scott

Desert Rose Musical Instruments
www.desertrosebanjo.com

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 11/07/2009:  21:45:39

I never used glue, but I Did take the effort to match the drill to the spike.


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Pjotor - Posted - 11/07/2009:  23:46:42

I didn't use glue when I spiked my banjo, but I guess it's a good idea if you charge money to do it.

I followed the directions here: http://banjoist.tripod.com/spike.html

Make sure you drill deep enough before tapping the spikes in.

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flake - Posted - 11/08/2009:  00:10:53

Use a touch of cyanoacrylate (superglue). There's nothing funnier than having a spike pop free onstage during "Pretty Polly". Except maybe getting shot in the kneecap.


mike

You can't ride home on a bowl of goat. I've always said that.

desert rose - Posted - 11/08/2009:  01:29:11

Mike

My experience was Dixie Breakdown

And a rosewood fingerboard

Spike got launched off the stage, really nice effect, like a pull off on a capoed string but you can only do it once

Scott

Desert Rose Musical Instruments
www.desertrosebanjo.com

uncle.fogey - Posted - 11/08/2009:  06:41:43

I have never used glue and never had a problem. I DO however use a very small drill bit, that's slightly smaller than the spike, and when I tap them in (a small deadblow mallet with a brass face is nice), I put a feeler gauge under the spike so it only goes down to the level you want it to be at.

I have no philosophical objection to gluing them (as I do with gluing frets), it's just that I've had to remove some from time to time for various repair jobs and having them glued in could have been a problem.

To each his own.

A man wouldn't need many plastic heads in a lifetime.

Gomer - Posted - 11/08/2009:  06:47:24

I did not use glue, did not match the drill, and did not charge any money. That said, it was my banjo and I had the spikes put in by a proper luthier. He charged me some.

( )=====’==::

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buffalograss - Posted - 11/08/2009:  08:22:56

....the price per spike undoubtedly varies from [luthier] shop to shop, but in my parts the price by a 40-year experienced and professional luthier at the shop of my choice, is $15 per spike - (CDN dollars). This may sound exorbitantly priced to some people but when you figger cost of labor X time + employee benefits + guarantee for workmanship + $ for the "house", it's a fair price in my opinion if 3 or 4 spikes are installed at one time.

But, from all of the info on the net about installing spikes + patience and attention to detail, I'll likely install my own next time.

I do remember though that some time back a BHO member posted a message that somehow he had drilled all the way through the neck...........um, is that a Darwin thing or what?

banjer5 - Posted - 11/08/2009:  09:21:21

I must work too cheap! But I digress, a tiny bit of super glue will hold em down and prevent them from showering the audience at embarrassing times.

Fast Freddy the engineer says: Throttle in RUN 8 and highball, then don't look back, something might be gainin' on ya. 73,s de K5BGZ

Anthony_N_Ky - Posted - 11/08/2009:  12:19:18

Thanks for the replies.Ok now if I decide to use glue I see that super glue would be the one to use, now let me ask this, where do I put the glue, on the spike shank or put a little drop on my pilot hole right before I tap in the spike? THANKS

uncle.fogey - Posted - 11/08/2009:  15:12:29

If you're going to use super glue, I don't think it matters one way or t'other. You'll have a little mess around the hole that will have to be cleaned up. Make sure the spike is set at EXACTLY the right depth. You won't be able to move it after a few seconds.

A man wouldn't need many plastic heads in a lifetime.

desert rose - Posted - 11/08/2009:  16:09:02

Hey Ken

For your reference bank

Whether frets or spikes, a soldering iron held on the head of the spike for a few seconds releases the superglue totally and the spike will lift out like it wasnt ever glued

Scott

Desert Rose Musical Instruments
www.desertrosebanjo.com

BTuno - Posted - 11/08/2009:  16:48:03

I use superglue too. But, I must have a heavy thumb as I've worked spikes loose more than once, not a projectile, but the string sproings out of the spike while playing, or produces a wierd buzz. I just glue'er back down.

BT

"Ya gotta get all them tunes in yer head"

Richie Dotson - Posted - 11/08/2009:  19:47:38

I'm with Scott. A little glue is cheap insurance. I know that my instructions don't call for it, but I do use it and other parts of my installation techniques have also changed a little. I'm a little busy to change some of them on my site at the moment, but it is on the backburner nonetheless.

Richie Dotson
Craftsman, Teacher
www.BanjoResource.com
(757) 613-9627