Bit sizes

[fender3x]

I am at the point of drilling some neck holes. I read online that I should use a bit size of 1/8" for the neck, and 3/16" for the body. But I remembered those tolerances being a bit tight in the past. I drilled some test holes and discovered that the best fit was using a 9/64" bit for the neck and a 13/64" bit for the body. That is 1/64" larger for each hole than what Fender says they should be... So I converted them to metric... 9/64" is almost exactly 3.5mm and 13/64" is almost exactly 5mm.

So here's my question: When you folks who use a rational system of measures drill your holes for bolt on necks, do you use 3.5mm and 5mm drill bits? Did everyone know but me?

The dumbest thing about the American adherence to SAE (aka Imperial) measurements is that we think we are adhering to SAE measurements, when we are secretly using the metric system...or at least approximating it by 64ths of an inch.

[Trevor Davies]

Hi fender3x.

Yes, I use a 3.5 mm bit for the neck, and 5 mm bit to widen the body's neck holes. That is for the PBG neck screws - I assume these are standard sizing!

I am too scared to answer the second question about who knows!

[fender3x]

With regard to the second question...sigh. Anytime I see a measurement in 32nds or 64ths of an inch, I am going to check to see what the nearest metric size is.

I used the SAE bits because they seem identical and are cheaper and easier for me to replace... although that is changing too. It's now often just as cheap if I order on the internet...and even sometimes quicker than I'd get around to going to the store. Whether I order metric or SAE bits, they will be made in Asia.

This is just nuts. US spec pots are all made in Asia. String sizes are all in inches, but all nut files made in a countries that don't use inches. You'd think the expense alone would be enough to get us to convert.