You can also remove the string completely from your guitar if you want, but it’s not required for this fix.
If your tuning pegs don’t have screws on the end, then this repair won’t work for your guitar. Conversely, if your tuning peg feels too tight, try turning the screw a quarter turn counter-clockwise instead.
If the tuning peg still feels too loose, rotate the screw another quarter turn and test it again. Be careful not to overtighten the tuning peg since you could damage the tuner or stock of your guitar.
If you accidentally tune the string too high, rotate the peg clockwise by a half turn to lower the note. Slowly tune back up to your desired note to help keep your strings tight.
Avoid trying to unwrap or cut the strings if they still have tension since they could snap up and hurt you.
Avoid overtightening the screws so you don’t accidentally damage your guitar’s body. You might find the screws on the side of the guitar if that’s where the tuning pegs are mounted.
Adjusting the tightness on the gear will not affect the tension when you turn the peg.
Your guitar might not have nuts on your tuning pegs.
The toothpick adds extra tooth for the screw to hold onto so it’s less likely to slide out or feel loose.
Avoid over wrapping the string around the peg since it could affect the overall tone of your guitar.
You can leave the strings attached to the bottom of your guitar if you don’t want to remove them completely. That way, they’re easier to reinstall.
You may also need to loosen nuts on the front of the peg if your guitar has them. Avoid cleaning and lubricating your tuning pegs while they’re still attached since you could damage the body of your guitar.
Make sure you only use the toothbrush for cleaning purposes.
If you’re working with a tuning peg with an enclosed gear, then use a pipette to spray the WD-40 or naphtha into the opening at the bottom of the peg. If you use naphtha, work in a well-ventilated area with protective gloves. Naphtha can cause nose, throat, and skin irritation and is extremely flammable. [16] X Research source
You can use any mechanical lubricant, but you might find some specific for guitars at a music store.
Always take tension off of the string before you cut or remove it. Otherwise, it could spring up and hurt you.
New tuners usually come with new mounting screws, so you don’t have to save the old ones. Some classical or acoustic guitars will have mounting screws on the side of the guitar stock instead of on the back. [22] X Research source
If your peg doesn’t slide out easily, it might be held in by a nut on the front of the guitar stock. Use a wrench to loosen the nut.
You can buy tuning pegs online or from a local music store.
If your tuning peg has a nut on the front, tighten it by hand before giving it a few more turns with a wrench. If the screw holes don’t line up on the guitar and tuning peg, hold the tuning peg in position. Then use a drill with a bit one size smaller than the screw to make a pilot hole for the screw in the back of your guitar. [26] X Research source If you don’t feel comfortable working on your guitar, take it to a professional repair person.
