Technique to Enlarge Pot Holes in your Guitar

Another Breja ToneWorks DIY video - this time I'll show you my technique for enlarging the pot holes in your guitar so that you hopefully will not chip or flake the finish. It's simple, quick and most likely you already have all the tools.

[cgavin]

I can't even begin to overstate the simple genius of this! Absolutely the best method.

[freelance_commie]

A perfect DIY instructional video. Quick and to the point, hitting only the important points and considerations and no annoying music or graphics. A++

[tommyausburn]

Very helpful... This video saved me from ordering the wrong parts and damaging the finish of my guitar. Thx!

[corthemurph]

This is a life saver, I wish more videos were as clean and concise as this one. Good job!

[jovanradojkovic]

Thank you so much, your video helps a TON. I was banging my head how to drill a hole on my Ibanez to replace factory crap pots to CTS full size LP style. I was preparing a step drill bit but didn't have a gut to start. Again thank you so much sir. Greets from Serbia. 👍🤘😉

[adamlewis]

Brillant! Thank you for this super easy method!

[Jihadbearzwithgunz]

Awesome I use a counter sink bit in reverse to carefully take back the finish that way it doesn't catch then break or tear away the finish then use a reamer

[csaiz]

Great video and thank you for sharing. I am working on one of my guitars today and will be using your method.

[tgorycki]

Thanks for posting this useful info! Also worth mentioning, is some guitars, like the Ibanez RG series, have solid shafts, and those come in different shaft diameters. I believe most RGs have a 6mm solid shaft while many CTS pots have a 6.35mm shaft and a 3/8 bushing (the stock Ibanez pot has a 5/16 bushing as described in your video).

[skidoo]

I've always used Bourns and never had a problem with them ever. Great pots too.

[sharikmarius]

Oh my goodness, THANK YOU!! I was in the process of installing a prewired Aguilar preamp in my bass, did some additional soldiering to parts already connected the bass, only to find out that the pot holes are too small. This video saved the day!

[bangaujam]

I just tried this technique. Worked excellently. Thank you.

[paulotrigueiro]

I need to do this in my headstock for the new tuners. I was freaking out thinking of maybe making an error. Now i’m calm. Thanks

[qrptedmac]

Just wanted to say thx for this vid. I’m doing my first pot replacement on my own and am a little nervous. I bought CTS pots for a Chinese bass and noticed they were to big for the hole. I thought crap I don’t have a drill press and I tripped over your vid. So I went to harbor freight and got a round file and painters tape. It worked perfectly. Whew. So again thx for the vid.

[TravoneLogan]

Wow!! This is sooo great!!! Been looking for a solution and you have it. Thank you so much

[Lunchbox]

This approach worked great for me. Thanks!

[ManMark]

Thank you very much! Great useful work!

[bigbearblovespanda]

I like the idea of using the pot washer as a template. Why the he'll didn't I think of it? So simple. So effective.

Having a metal edge to work with takes out any risk of mistakes. I have the choice of using a rasp, stepped bit, hand reamer, dremel and good old sand paper. The problem I've had is deciding which one to use safely, on my first attempt at this minor job.

I think I'll use a dremel with a small course sanding cylinder. It fits into the 3/8th" (9.25mm) washer hole, the speed can be carefully adjusted and the sanding action can be controlled by going around the inside of the hole in circular movements, so chipping should be virtually impossible.

[jackiescum]

Tell you works best and it is the perfect size. No need for a tablet in Melanie for anything It works for both machine heads and pots. A long carving knife sharpener, basically an alarm file is perfect for the job. Good vid Ty

[wsteele]

Thank you so much for making this video, much appreciated!