Stratocaster Spring Claw Drilling Guide / Jig

This jig makes a much easier time of the normally stressful job of drilling screw holes for a Stratocaster-style tremolo spring claw! 

PLEASE NOTE DIMENSIONS BELOW! There are several types of stratocaster bodies and claw hardware components. I've detailed out what I had below. If you need another dimension (i.e. hole spread or cavity depth), just let me know and I can modify it pretty easily. I have also now added a parametric version for you to customize yourself (this was generously generated and provided by user naanbread @naan_bread). You can use the “Customize” button to open in Parametric Model Maker and adjust parameters to fit your exact guitar. 

You will still probably want a long 1/8" drill bit to clear the body without risk of damaging it, but the jig helps consistently drill the holes without the bit wandering. The holes in the jig are at a 6-degree angle and are sized for a TIGHT 1/8" drill bit ( a 3mm should work too). I used 6 wall loops throughout the jig, so you should have plenty of meat to use your drill bit to create a perfect fit running through the jig. 

This jig is better than available options to purchase because it can be customized for a perfect fit to your cavity. I'd still recommend a touch of double-sided tape, but it will barely be necessary. I also included some v-notches around the jig to verify centerlines. 

Before drilling, I recommend running a piece of pencil lead or a center-punch through the holes to mark the location and then verify with your hardware. Measure twice, drill once! You want the claw to sit ~1/16" below the top of the cavity. If it is too high, you can use the cut function in your slicer to shave off some from the bottom. If it is too low, use some shims (like business cards or you can create some by copying a model, slicing to desired thickness, and printing).

The current dimensions are:

Model 1: 

• 1.125" hole spread center-to-center
• 2.25" overall cavity width
• 5/16" corner radius
• Holes are placed 0.41" from bottom of cavity.
• Intended for Cavity depth of ~0.75"

Model 2:

• 34mm hole spread center-to-center
• 2.24" overall cavity width
• ¼" corner radius
• Holes are placed 0.28" from bottom of cavity.
• Intended for Cavity depth of ~0.625"

Model 3: Custom Request

• 34mm hole spread center-to-center
• 53.5mm overall cavity width
• ¼" corner radius
• Holes are placed 0.28" from bottom of cavity.
• Intended for Cavity depth of ~0.625"

Gridfinity bins for these can be found here: https://makerworld.com/en/models/2355892-gridfinity-for-strat-claw-drilling-guides#profileId-2577044