How to instal banjo spikes

Thought I would make a video on how I install banjo spikes. This is a 5 string banjo I am working on and its getting spikes at the 7th and 9th fret. Keep in mind that spikes can be installed with the head facing so the string can be pushed up under them or pulled under the spike head. I have had many banjos come to me for work and the spike configuration will very depending on manufacture and or the desires of the player.

[@IIVVBlues]

It's been decades since I did this, but I recently acquired a banjo on which I want to install a spike. Excellent review and a new idea as well. Thanks for the vid.

[@TruegrassBoy]

Nice. Thanks for giving exact specs - i.e. feeler gauge size, drill size, etc.

[@JamesHoodGuitar]

Glad this video is of some use for you.

[@JamesHoodGuitar]

Hi Michael, I personally like them installed so you can slip the string right under the spike head but some guys like the opening facing them. I have seen both ways. it just depends on the players wants. in theory you could pull the strig out from under the head if its facing downword but it hasn't happend yet ;-)

[@HotRod11]

Thanks dude,it's very usefull :)

[@Matersoup]

Great video.

[@JamesHoodGuitar]

I don't want the shaft of the spike dead center under the string but I do want the leading edge of the spikes shaft to be aligned with the outside edge of the string. This will help to keep the note from pulling sharp when you slide the string under the spike head.

[@SwissBanjo]

how do you determine the position of the whole you drill? (x and y position)
Do you drill the whole straight or slightly slanted?

[@MrWeedpatch]

Are you installing the spike directly under the string?

[@denniskopp3281]

I put my spikes in the way that you did with the opening pointing toward the 5th string and had nothing but trouble with them poping out when I pick. I redid them the other way and the never popped out after that.

[@TimmyTraspie]

please be a tiny bit more clearer for me. do you mean the opening from the top facing up or the opening is towards the 1st string facing down

[@TimmyTraspie]

I liked you video best but I still have one question. How did do you drill? deeper than the spike is long, the same depth as the spike, or only half the depth of the spike is long, thanks

[@JamesHoodGuitar]

TimmyTraspie you can drill as deep as the spike is long however depending on how the neck shoulder is shaped you may have to clip the spike a little shorter to keep it from exiting through the side of the neck. I generally will use water thin super glue down the shaft of the spike after it’s installed to make sure it’s secure in the fret board as well.

[@hogglegerproductions6489]

Nice background music friend!

[@JamesHoodGuitar]

Hogg Leger Thanks! 🙏

[@gwendolynkaren5933]

@@JamesHoodGuitar if you're a Canadian

[@michaelgodfrey5566]

Most of the installs I have seen have the spike opening facing the other way (toward the 4th string) but they way you installed it seems to make more sense to me so that the picking would not inadvertently pop it loose. Can you elaborate on the pros and cons of each as you know it?

[@gwendolynkaren5933]

Never elaborated? Boo

[@matthewmanucci]

@@gwendolynkaren5933 he did. Scroll up.

[@car4sale556]

What size drill bit is it you use? Where can I order one?

[@JamesHoodGuitar]

Car 4Sale either Stewart Macdonald or luthiers mercantile has a kit of pins and drill bits for lining up fret boards. The drill bits that are provided are around 0.20 in size.

[@caygeonkid]

@@JamesHoodGuitar 1/32" is perfect..comes in Dremel kit

[@leoncoley9716]

where do you get the drill bits from

[@JamesHoodGuitar]

i used the bit out of my fret board pinning kit. I think i got that one from Luthiers mercantile, or just search 0.30 drill bit on amazon. I use a dremel with smallest collet. hope this helps.

[@tro4404]

Annoying is spelled with two ens.