ok this should be a really easy question/answer: I was re-stringing my squire strat and i had moved up to a thicker gauge string. i didn't notice it until i had totally finished stringing, but my bridge had popped up( its a floating tremolo)...at first i freaked out but then i realized that due to the extra tension from the strings the tension springs just needed to be adjusted. i don't have any extra ones to put in so i figured i'd just tighten the screws that hold the part the springs hook into (i don't know what its called). unfortunately, i was a little rough and i stripped one of the screws. i was wondering if i need to get a special screw, like copper or something or if i could just use any old screw that was the same size.

[Edited on 11/3/2008 by shadowfox]

Since you inserted thicker strings than you had earlier you need to insert another spring that holds the tremolo bridge back to compensate for the added string tension.

Look at this http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v118/turquoisemoleeater/g uitars/pacifica_back.jpg

[Edited on 11/4/2008 by misterstarshine]

[Edited on 11/4/2008 by misterstarshine]

ya i know...i said i don't have any handy. i just need a quick fix til i can get the ones that i have...they're at my house but im at college.

You can not compensate by tighten the tremolo screws harder. In fact, on the tremolo bridge I have they shouldn't even be very tight since the surface under the screws isn't flat. This is part of what enabled the movement of the bridge.

I didn't understand if it was the screw or the hole that was ruined. If it's the hole you could pour down some carpenter glue and if it's the screw it will need to be replaced.