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!
quote:
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?
quote:
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!
quote:
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!!!
quote:
Originally posted by jdeluke137quote:
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
The tuner keeping tune, and the users option of tuner knob resistance, is two different things. But they are interconnected, as the screw keeps the tuner knob on. That is a very important little washer, that lets you adjust the resistance you want when turning the knob, while keeping the screw from bottoming out on the post, or the knob from direct metal to plastic contact with the tuner body. Without it, the knob itself becomes the sole source for resistance, and you may have to smoke the screw super tight to give the knob any resistance, risk cracking the knob, and if there's any slop in the knob to post fit, every time you turn the knob counter clockwise, it will slightly loosen the screw, until it's fully loose, and prone to loosening up and falling out. I've learned this from fixing up old banjos, with the washer either smashed with age, or missing. ACE has fiber washers, and it makes an old tuner work like new. Also, any slop between the knob and post will also eventually loosen the screw, as the slop tries to drag the screw with it every little bit, every time you turn it, and even over ride locktite with time. I've been using HVAC metal tape to shim posts for zero slop, to prevent this. Sorry for the over analyzation, but properly working tuner knobs is one of my OCD obsessions.
Edited by - Dean T on 10/20/2026 18:45:14
Old computer motherboard mount screws are also a good source for fiber washers
quote:
Originally posted by Dean TOld computer motherboard mount screws are also a good source for fiber washers
There was a very thin washer below the button. Much thinner than the washers on my other two banjos. I have some leather tuner washers I bought for something else several years ago. Do you think one of them would work? If not, they are the right size so I can use one for a reference when I go to Ace. Thanks for the suggestion! I'll try this before o try the thread locker.
quote:
Originally posted by jdeluke137quote:
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!!!
Before you buy thread locker, go to Dollar General and buy a vial of clear nail polish. Costs $1 and lasts for years. Just put a small coat on the threads and screw it back in.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
