Can't Flip Screws On Fender Classic Series Jaguar Tailpiece

[bodhi]

Are there different tapers on the head for applicable 8-32 flathead screws? I ordered some, but eyeballing it it seemed that for them to be drilled out so the screws would be flush would be on the edge of not leaving any grooves left for the screw to hold on to...

Don't worry about the threads in the fulcrum piece--you aren't going to be countersinking that part. It's hardened steel. Only the plate will get countersunk, which is why the screws do sit a little proud.

Thing is, I'd ideally actually want the screw heads to sit flush, so wondering out loud about how to get there. I'd be really bummed out about messing up the trem enough to need to get a new one...

[andy_tchp]

Are there different tapers on the head for applicable 8-32 flathead screws? I ordered some, but eyeballing it it seemed that for them to be drilled out so the screws would be flush would be on the edge of not leaving any grooves left for the screw to hold on to...

Don't worry about the threads in the fulcrum piece--you aren't going to be countersinking that part. It's hardened steel. Only the plate will get countersunk, which is why the screws do sit a little proud.

Thing is, I'd ideally actually want the screw heads to sit flush, so wondering out loud about how to get there. I'd be really bummed out about messing up the trem enough to need to get a new one...

You'd almost need a second plate underneath to get to the required depth, there's just not enough meat there to countersink to that depth without going the whole way through.

[Horsefeather]

Yeah, don't worry about it too much. We'd all like them flush but it's just not feasible. Fender doesn't want us to have them flush. Get it functional and then get to writin' songs on it!

[bodhi]

Yeah, don't worry about it too much. We'd all like them flush but it's just not feasible. Fender doesn't want us to have them flush. Get it functional and then get to writin' songs on it!

Don't worry about the threads in the fulcrum piece--you aren't going to be countersinking that part. It's hardened steel. Only the plate will get countersunk, which is why the screws do sit a little proud.

Thing is, I'd ideally actually want the screw heads to sit flush, so wondering out loud about how to get there. I'd be really bummed out about messing up the trem enough to need to get a new one...

You'd almost need a second plate underneath to get to the required depth, there's just not enough meat there to countersink to that depth without going the whole way through.

Hmm, a second plate wouldn't be out of the question, assuming the threading bit isn't too expensive... Unlikely to have other uses for it.

Yeah, don't worry about it too much. We'd all like them flush but it's just not feasible. Fender doesn't want us to have them flush. Get it functional and then get to writin' songs on it!

I have some ulterior motives / ideas, but let's see where we end up

[Square Daddio]

What if one were to use a smaller flat head bolt that would be recessed in the hole and use a nut and washers to draw it tight from below? Haven't tried it, but I have had a e string unwind on an AO JM.