Replacing Truss Rod Nut
Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:22 am
Howdy! A couple years ago I had a LOT of trouble with my truss rod nut on my 2013 D1A. Seemed out of spec. Took it Bryan Kimsey and he concurred something was off. We were able to find a hex wrench that fit and it it did the job. I've always been able to do this on my own with many guitars (never touched this one), many Collings so this is an odd ball..
Meanwhile I contacted Collings and they sent me a new brass nut and my Collings hex wrench is a perfect fit! I just tried the Collings hex wrench in the installed one and there's play...not a tight fit and just asking to strip out especially the ball end. I'll cut a section off it and rig a wrench that uses the square end and sinks all the way in. Figure a way to clear the bracing and get a good straight on attack so no chance of stripping.
Anyways...
Today I checked relief and it's VERY low, ~003" at the 8th fret. Not buzzing yet but my action is pretty high(>1/8")and I want to trim down the saddle and know I should adjust relief first. Also considering going down a gauge in strings form my 13-56s which will effect action.
With all the guitar work I've done I've never replaced a truss rod nut and don't see it discussed.
Is this a simple procedure? Just unscrew and screw on the new one? Lube it a little bit? Add a washer?
Any pitfalls, thing to be particularly aware off? I know if I snap the rod or strip it I'm in a world of hurt!
Again I've done plenty of acoustic set ups but never had an issue with truss rod being so danged tight and out of spec wrench size wise.
Thanks!
Meanwhile I contacted Collings and they sent me a new brass nut and my Collings hex wrench is a perfect fit! I just tried the Collings hex wrench in the installed one and there's play...not a tight fit and just asking to strip out especially the ball end. I'll cut a section off it and rig a wrench that uses the square end and sinks all the way in. Figure a way to clear the bracing and get a good straight on attack so no chance of stripping.
Anyways...
Today I checked relief and it's VERY low, ~003" at the 8th fret. Not buzzing yet but my action is pretty high(>1/8")and I want to trim down the saddle and know I should adjust relief first. Also considering going down a gauge in strings form my 13-56s which will effect action.
With all the guitar work I've done I've never replaced a truss rod nut and don't see it discussed.
Is this a simple procedure? Just unscrew and screw on the new one? Lube it a little bit? Add a washer?
Any pitfalls, thing to be particularly aware off? I know if I snap the rod or strip it I'm in a world of hurt!
Again I've done plenty of acoustic set ups but never had an issue with truss rod being so danged tight and out of spec wrench size wise.
Thanks!