I have one banjo that the screw on the 5th string tuner button keeps loosening up. It’s not from me adjusting the tuner - it just loosens up occasionally while I’m playing, to the point it’s going to fall out one day. No matter how tight or loose it is it doesn’t seem to affect the tuning. It can be completely loose and the 5th string stays in tune. I just don’t want to loose the screw.
I’ve thought about using some purple thread blocker on it. But I’m open to other suggestions.. Any ideas?
Edited by - jdeluke137 on 10/20/2026 15:04:23
Hey John, First things first - is the fifth string tuner a friction tuner, or a geared tuner of some sort? Most geared fifth string tuners are made in such a way that even if the button is loose, the tuner will not slip or "detune." if that is the case, a small drop of locktite on the threads of the screw might help it from coming loose. NOW on the other hand, IF the fifth string tuner is in fact a friction type tuner, you need to rethink how you want to approach this. Most friction tuners in fact will slip if the screw holding the button is coming loose.... if it's a friction tuner and the screw is in fact coming loose, it would seem the entire tuner is binding up in some way. The good thing, or nice thing about most friction tuners, is they are mounted by a "press fit," of the tuner into the side of the neck. So what that means is usually that type tuner is easily removed and easily replaced. And they are NOT expensive. The main thing if replacing is to find one that is the same size as the original!
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Originally posted by GStumpHey John, First things first - is the fifth string tuner a friction tuner, or a geared tuner of some sort? Most geared fifth string tuners are made in such a way that even if the button is loose, the tuner will not slip or "detune." if that is the case, a small drop of locktite on the threads of the screw might help it from coming loose.
It's a geared tuner. Thanks for the detailed reply!
Any chance the little fiber or plastic washer between the tuner knob and tuner is missing?
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Originally posted by Dean TAny chance the little fiber or plastic washer between the tuner knob and tuner is missing?
It's just the screw coming loose, not the button. The tuner keeps the 5th string in tune. Even with the screw loose you can adjust the tuning and the tuner holds
I have purple loctite on every tuner screw on every banjo. They are all Rickards and they came that way. If I change buttons I add another drop. I also do the same on all my Gotoh 5th strings tuners. Solved a 50-year old problem for me!
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Originally posted by Mastertone BanjoI have purple loctite on every tuner screw on every banjo. They are all Rickards and they came that way. If I change buttons I add another drop. I also do the same on all my Gotoh 5th strings tuners. Solved a 50-year old problem for me!
Thank you! I'll get a tube tomorrow and take care of this irritation!!!
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