How to Remove Tune-o-Matic Bushings From Les Paul Style Guitar

This is a quick and easy way to remove Tune-O-Matic bridge and tail piece bushings from a Les Paul style guitar.
This instructable will show how to make a cheap and easy to use
tool that can be used to remove the bushings for repair and
for repainting/refinishing.

Step 1: Tools and Parts Needed

The tools that you will need.

Bolt that will fit the bushing (usually metric).

Piece of pipe about 25mm in diameter and about 10mm shorter than the bolt.

1 washer that will fit loosely around the bushing.

1 washer that will fit the bolt.

Note:both washers must be larger OD than the pipe.

A wrench that will fit the bolt (if the bolt is metric the wrench is too).

Step 2: Assembly

First you have to put the washer that fits around the bushing
over the bushing like in picture.

Then take the washer that fits the bolt and put it on the bolt.

Then take the piece of pipe and put it on the bolt/washer assembly.

Now put the bolt assembly on to the washer around the bushing
and thread the bolt in to the bushing by hand.

Step 3: Remove Bushings

Now just put the wrench on the bolt and turn like you were tightining.

Step 4: Final Word

This tool can be really helpful in working on guitars
and here are some tips and tricks.

While sanding and painting put a pice of cotton or wadded up cloth in the holes to keep dust and paint from getting in them.

After painting there will be a lip of paint in the hole so clean the hole out before reinstalling the bushings.

Under the bushing closest to the volume knobs there is a
(or should be)a ground wire be careful with this one and make sure
when you install the bushing that it comes in contact with the wire.

When you take out the bushings brush some wood glue in the sides of the holes and let dry so when you install them again they will have a snug fit.

I think thats all.
If you have any questions or comments please post them
this is my first instructable I need feed back.
Matt, age 14