Review on Z 400 008 CR Threaded Stainless Internal by Fredo Zhan

I used these anchors to convert my new Squier Stratocaster into a travel guitar. I replaced the four screws used to attach the neck with stainless steel anchors and mounting screws. (Yes, I called them screws in the title, but that's just for search engines. They're actually mounting screws, not bolts, although I'm not sure if there's actually a difference.) There's a lot of discussion on this topic. online, so I'll try to be brief. The most important step is experimenting with installing anchors using a piece of wood. THERE IS a learning curve. Instead of .250" (8/32) pilot holes, I used 9/32" (7.14mm). Quarter inch pilot holes can work for softwood, but in my opinion 9/32 inch pilot holes are better for hardwood. Please DO NOT try to install the anchor with a screwdriver. Yes, the anchor has a slot, meaning a screwdriver will fit, but you're only breaking the end of the anchor. The wood of the guitar is too hard. Tip: Make an anchor setting tool using a machine screw, two locknuts, and a flat washer. This allows you to mount the anchor with a wrench instead of a screwdriver. Thread two nuts onto the machine bolt, add a washer, and then thread the anchor onto the bolt. The washer is located between the anchor and locknuts. The screw is fully inserted into the anchor but not far enough to protrude from the end of the anchor. Tighten both jam nuts against the washer and anchor. Use a wrench to install. Slow down! Little twists! Use the screw head to keep it straight. To countersink the anchor, remove the washer, reinstall the bolt and locknuts, and turn an additional turn with a wrench. The anchor needs to be at least flush with the rail or there will be serious, serious neck alignment issues. Internet gurus recommend 1.75 inch, 8-32, oval head stainless steel mounting screws. I've had better success with 1.50" screws. This is because the 1.75" screws are too long. The 1.75" diameter screw goes all the way through the anchor and protrudes about .125" out the end of the anchor. Your pilot holes have to be deep enough or you're going to be in big trouble. Another problem I've found with 1.75" bolts is that it's difficult to get the anchor perfectly along the Aiming axis of sight. This will result in the long screw being stuck when it goes all the way through the dowel. If the screw is stuck, removing the screw will also remove the crossbar, which doesn't work very well on a travel guitar. Final thoughts: If you're really ambitious, buy 1.75" bolts and use bolt cutters to cut them to the length you want. However, I think it's a waste of time and effort. I suspect the interface anchors /H olz will fail LONGE before the anchor/screw interface (strength of wood versus steel). Also use high quality ie sharp drill bit for pilot drilling. You'll probably need to buy 9/32 bits. Well worth spending the extra $2. Finally, using the DIY installation tool, I didn't have to cut pilot holes before installing the anchors. It made them really easy to install.