How to Remove a Truss Rod in a Guitar Neck
The truss rod is an essential component of all electric guitar necks -- it is usually made of steel and runs along the length of the neck, inside the wood and underneath the fretboard. The truss rod controls the tension of the neck and can be adjusted to work with the strings to keep the neck from becoming bowed. Truss rods can break from too much tension, in which case they need to be removed to make room for a new rod.
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Instructions
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Remove the strings from the guitar, then remove all of the screws that secure the neck to the body of the guitar. Pull the neck away and set it on a solid surface. Locate the plug at the bottom of the neck, at the end of the line along the underside of the neck. Use a screwdriver to pry this plug out of the neck and set it aside. You will notice the truss rod's anchor exposed inside the neck.
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Secure the neck in a vice and place a long drift punch on the screw at the top of the truss rod. Use a hammer to strike the top of the long drift punch, applying pressure to the truss rod. Watch the truss rod's anchor as it slides out of the bottom of the neck.
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Use your hands to pull the truss rod out of the neck after it protrudes by five inches. Grasp the truss rod's anchor and pull -- the whole truss rod and anchor will slide out of its channel inside the neck of the guitar.
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References
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