Common Locking Tuners Mistakes to Avoid

Most problems people have with guitar tuning hardware come from a handful of avoidable mistakes. Whether you've just fitted a new set and something's wrong, or you're still deciding what to buy, these are the culprits to check first.

Mistake 1: Buying the Wrong Size

The single most common mistake is ordering a set that doesn't fit the headstock. Tuner hole diameter, bushing size and string post spacing all vary between guitar models. The standard modern Fender-spec hole is 10mm; vintage and some import guitars differ. Measure before ordering — calipers give an accurate reading in 30 seconds. A set that doesn't fit can't be fixed; it has to be returned.

Mistake 2: Ordering the Wrong Headstock Configuration

Guitars have different headstock layouts: 6-in-line (all tuners on one side), 3-per-side, 4+2, and others. Ordering a 3-per-side set for a 6-in-line headstock is an obvious mismatch, but it happens. Double-check the configuration before purchase, not after.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Post Height

On Fender-style headstocks, staggered post height is usually correct — the posts decrease in height from the bass side to the treble side, creating the right break angle over the nut without a string retainer bar. Using uniform posts on a headstock that needs staggered, or staggered posts where uniform is needed, causes incorrect string break angles and potential binding. This is a common oversight when upgrading the hardware for the first time.

Mistake 4: Winding Too Many Times

Players used to conventional tuners sometimes instinctively wind several times before locking. With locking tuners, multiple winds defeat the purpose — more string wound means more string that needs to stretch and settle. Thread the string, pull it taut, lock it and bring it to pitch with one or two winds maximum. The fewer the windings, the faster the string settles.

Mistake 5: Over-Tightening the Locking Mechanism

The thumbscrew or locking collar should be tightened firmly by hand — finger-tight with a firm final turn. Over-tightening can strip the thread on the mechanism or damage the string at the clamping point. If the string slips at finger-tight, the issue is usually with how the string is seated in the post hole, not insufficient tightening force.

Mistake 6: Expecting Tuners to Fix Other Problems

Fitting locking tuners fixes string slippage at the post. If tuning instability comes from a binding nut, a poorly set-up bridge or strings that haven't been properly stretched, the tuner upgrade won't fix those. A guitar that goes sharp after every bend and returns flat usually has a nut issue — the string catches on the way back. No tuner, locking or otherwise, solves that.

For compatibility guidance before buying, see the buyer's guide. For the full installation walkthrough, see the setup guide.

Frequently Asked Questions