Help getting that last chassis screw in on Fenders

[ArchieTop]

For the last several decades I’ve worked on I don’t know how many Fenders.  The problem is I finish one, go to mount it’s chassis in the cabinet, and then have trouble getting one or two of the chassis nuts to thread on its chassis screw.  I’m talking especially about the one in the back by the power transformer where clearance is so tight. Oh, I eventually succeed but sometimes it can take a lot of time.  I usually end up balancing to nut on the tip of an extended finger hoping that....this time....it’ll catch.

I know this is not a big problem or thing but surely many of you have had the same experience and figured out a solution or tip.  What is it?

Thanks.

[sluckey]

I just put the nut in a nut driver.

[davidwpack]

Me too.

[dude]

Easy fast trick, do the finger thing with the nut but take a piece of tape about 2", roll it to make both sides sticky. Put the rolled tape on your finger and then the nut to the tape. Now the nut stays in place, stuck to the tape and your finger. Then use your finger as before, the nut won't fall off, you'll catch the screw much faster.


al

[jjasilli]

It's even worse in a Traynor Bassmate.  It's a closed-back combo, so the amp is in a narrow enclosed area, with the PT blocking that last chassis screw!  I made a tool: the "handle" is a long Erector Set beam.  Bolted on the end at an angle is a short, flat Erector Set piece -- with double sided tape on top.  I stick the nut on the tape; and poke the tool in behind & around the PT so the nut can mate with the bolt.   


Also, I do the hard one as #3, with 2 other screws holding the chassis in place.  Then it's not the last one!   

[galaxiex]

On my 1970 Traynor YGM3 I welded the nuts to the chassis. 

[jjasilli]

 Good idea.

[ginger]

Easy fast trick, do the finger thing with the nut but take a piece of tape about 2", roll it to make both sides sticky. Put the rolled tape on your finger and then the nut to the tape. Now the nut stays in place, stuck to the tape and your finger. Then use your finger as before, the nut won't fall off, you'll catch the screw much faster.
Same with me... trying to get the nut on the chassis screw on a Showman... rolled tape . The Showman had a replacement Hammond/ Fender PT , which was larger .

al