Floyd Rose Screw Sizes: Finding The Perfect Fit For Your Guitar

The Floyd Rose bridge system is renowned for its tuning stability, thanks to its string locking mechanism at both the nut and saddle ends. This design prevents guitar strings from slipping through their slots, ensuring the guitar stays in tune even during drastic pitch changes. Setting up a Floyd Rose bridge can be challenging for inexperienced users, but with the right tools and guidance, it's achievable. One critical aspect is selecting the correct screw size, such as the M2.5 or M4 x 8mm Allen screws, to secure the system in place and adjust the intonation.

Floyd Rose Screw Characteristics and Values

Screw size for a Floyd Rose locking nut

The screw size for a Floyd Rose locking nut will depend on the type of screw you are looking to replace.

Nut Mounting Screws

Nut mounting screws for the Floyd Rose Tremolo System come in sets of two and are available in black, chrome, or gold.

Nut Clamping Screws

Nut clamping screws are available in chrome, black, or gold. They come in sets of three and have dimensions of M4 x 8 mm. These screws fit 3.0 mm hex wrenches.

Nut Rear Mounting Screw

The rear mounting screw for the Floyd Rose locking nut has a thread size of M4x0.7, a length under the head of 16.0000 mm, and is made of alloy steel with a black oxide finish.

Locking Nut Hex Screws

Locking nut hex screws for the Floyd Rose come in a set of three and have the dimensions M4 x 8 mm.

Screw size for a Floyd Rose saddle

The correct screw size for a Floyd Rose saddle depends on the specific type of Floyd Rose system you have.

Floyd Rose Original Saddle Screw Set

The original Floyd Rose saddle mounting screws have a diameter of 3mm and a length of 8mm. The thread is M3 x 0.5, or a 0.5mm pitch/coarse thread. These screws are made of steel and come in a set of six.

Floyd Rose 1000 Series and Special Saddle Mounting Screws

Floyd Rose also offers genuine replacement screws for their 1000 Series and Special Tremolo Systems. These screws come in a set of six or seven.

Floyd Rose Intonation/Saddle Screws

The allen screws that fix each individual Floyd Rose saddle in place for intonation are reported to be M2.5 (2.5mm) x 6mm or longer.

Floyd Rose Style Saddle Intonation/Mounting Screws

There are also generic Floyd Rose-style saddle intonation/mounting screws available from third-party sellers, such as MonsterBolts, which fit the OFR (Original Floyd Rose) and Special Series Tremolos, as well as Floyd-licensed Tremolos. These screws are made of Class 12.9 Black Alloy Steel for extreme strength and durability and come in a set of six.

Screw size and types for a Floyd Rose bridge

The Floyd Rose bridge system for electric guitars is renowned for its tuning stability and whammy bar freedom. It is a "floating" bridge, which means it doesn't rest against the guitar body. This is made possible by the tension springs in the back cavity that counter the tension of the guitar strings.

There are several types of screws used in the Floyd Rose system:

Mounting Stud Wood Screws

These screws are used to mount the Floyd Rose bridge to the guitar body. They are available in different colours, including chrome, and are sold in sets of two. They fit the Floyd Rose Original, 1000 Series, and 1984 Tremolo Systems.

Fine Tuner Screws

These screws are used to fine-tune the tension of the guitar strings. They are located at the end of each string on the tremolo and are adjusted with a hex wrench. Fine-tuning is necessary after the initial string installation and occasionally during play to maintain proper tuning.

String Block Screw

This screw is used to adjust the string block, which is a part of the Floyd Rose tremolo system. It is a small screw that holds the string block securely in place.

Tremolo Block Screw

The tremolo block screw is used to secure the tremolo block, which is the component that attaches the tremolo arm to the bridge. It ensures the tremolo arm is firmly connected and can withstand the tension of the strings.

Saddle Screws

Saddle screws are used to secure the string saddles in place. The string saddles are where the strings are inserted after their ball ends are cut off. Tightening these screws clamps down on the strings, holding them securely.

String Lock Screws

String lock screws are an essential part of the Floyd Rose double-locking system. They work in conjunction with the locking nut to clamp down on the strings, ensuring they cannot slip through their nut and saddle slots. This feature is critical for maintaining tuning stability.

In addition to these screws, the Floyd Rose system also utilises mounting posts, tension springs, and spring mounting plates to achieve its unique floating bridge design and provide exceptional tuning stability for guitarists who frequently use the whammy bar.

Allen key size for a Floyd Rose screw

The Allen key, or Allen wrench, is a vital tool for any guitarist with a Floyd Rose bridge on their instrument. The Floyd Rose bridge is a type of tremolo system found on electric guitars, and it requires specific tools for maintenance and adjustments. This is where the Allen key comes in.

There are two standard sizes of Allen keys used for a Floyd Rose: 2.5mm and 3mm. These Allen keys are used for different tasks related to the bridge and its various components. The 2.5mm Allen key is typically used for the saddle intonation or lockdown screws, as well as the neck and saddle mounting screws. On the other hand, the 3mm Allen key is designed for the neck locking nut, bridge string locks, string clamps, and string lock screws.

Having the correct Allen key sizes is essential for guitarists with Floyd Rose bridges. These bridges offer a wide range of adjustments, allowing guitarists to fine-tune their instrument's performance and keep it in optimal playing condition. With the right Allen keys, guitarists can easily perform tasks such as changing strings, adjusting the locking nut, and intonating their guitars.

It is always advisable to have spare Allen keys, especially when you're about to perform or record. That way, you can quickly address any issues that may arise with your Floyd Rose bridge, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted playing experience.

Best practices for tightening Floyd Rose screws

The Floyd Rose bridge system is a popular choice for guitarists due to its ability to keep a guitar in tune, even during drastic pitch changes. However, installing and setting up a Floyd Rose bridge can be a challenging task, especially for inexperienced users. Here are some best practices to follow when tightening Floyd Rose screws:

Use the Correct Tools:

Before beginning any adjustments, ensure you have the necessary tools. For tightening or loosening Floyd Rose screws, you will typically need Allen wrenches and screwdrivers in various sizes. A 3mm Allen wrench is commonly used for unlocking the nut, adjusting the string retainer screws, and modifying the action. Meanwhile, a 2.5mm Allen wrench is often required for fine-tuning and adjusting the intonation. Additionally, both small and large screwdrivers may be needed for accessing the spring cavity and adjusting the claw screws, respectively.

Understand the Basic Mechanics:

The Floyd Rose bridge system relies on two essential concepts: the string locking mechanism and balanced string/spring tension. At each end of the string, there is a clamp to prevent slippage. On the nut end, metal pads are tightened over the strings with an Allen screw. On the bridge end, the ball ends of the strings are cut off, and the remaining end is inserted into the saddle and clamped down with a string retainer screw.

Block Off the Bridge:

When setting up or adjusting your Floyd Rose bridge, it is recommended to block off the bridge to stabilise it and prevent it from floating. Use an appropriately sized block, such as a wooden block or any rigid material that won't damage the finish. Place the block under the bridge, and if necessary, use the whammy bar to assist in lifting the bridge to create enough space. By blocking the bridge, you can tune your guitar without the floating bridge compensating for changes in string tension.

Adjust the Claw Screws:

After blocking the bridge, move to the back of the guitar and locate the claw screws. Tighten these screws to increase spring tension. It is important to turn the screws further than you think is necessary to intentionally over-tighten the springs. This step ensures that once the block is removed, the bridge will tilt back. With the block in place, the bridge should remain stable. If the bridge lifts off the block when tuning, it indicates that the spring tension is insufficient, and you may need to tighten the claw screws further or add an additional spring.

Tune the Guitar and Remove the Block:

Once the claw screws are adjusted, tune your guitar as you normally would. After achieving the desired tuning, use the whammy bar to dive the bridge and remove the block from the cavity. At this point, the bridge should tilt back, and your string tuning may go sharp. Do not adjust the tuners yet, as the next step will address this. If the bridge does not tilt back, repeat the previous steps to ensure proper adjustment.

Level the Bridge:

With the block removed, loosen the claw screws on the back of the guitar gradually and evenly on each side until the bridge becomes level with the body. As you loosen the screws, the bridge should start to level out, and the strings should return to the correct pitch. Fine-tune your guitar as needed using the headstock tuners. If significant adjustments are required, you may need to repeat the process of tightening the claw screws and levelling the bridge.

Fine-Tune and Lock the Nut:

After levelling the bridge and ensuring the guitar is in tune, it's time for the final steps of fine-tuning and locking the nut. Check your tuning with the headstock tuners one last time. Then, place the nut blocks and screws back onto the nut, applying enough pressure to securely clamp the strings in place. Be cautious not to over-tighten the screws, as it may become difficult to unlock the nut or you may strip the screws. Finally, use the fine tuner screws on the bridge to fine-tune each string to the desired pitch.

By following these best practices, you can effectively tighten Floyd Rose screws and fine-tune your guitar's performance. Remember that the initial setup of a Floyd Rose bridge may take some time and iteration, but with patience and careful adjustments, you'll achieve the desired results.

Frequently asked questions