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I've got a telecaster in for some fret work and a set up. It has an intonated Glendale bridge with steel saddles. The height adjuster screws are more seized than I've ever seen before. I managed to get the screws out by sacrificing them with a pair of vice grips aiming to replace them after the fact, but it seems the corrosion has ruined or blocked the threads inside the saddles. I gave the saddles a rust bath and let them soak in wd-40 and I was able to get a new screw through a few of the height adjusting holes, but the E, A, and D holes seem still blocked. Any other tips on loosening up the corrosion inside these saddles, or is it time to replace the saddles?

Chase the threads with a tap. Measure the extracted screws to check the size.

Soak in molasses. Eats the corrosion. Then rinse off and dry. When you install the new screws use Chapstick or wax to keep them from getting stuck again.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Conor, Glendale is very much in business and sells replacement saddles in a variety of configurations (they are dang expensive). Why not just get the old ones out and replace them? My feeling that trying to retap threads in something that requires smooth adjustment is just asking for trouble.

https://glendaleguitars.com/saddles/

Yeah I touched base with them. They do indeed sell replacements, although not the highly polished steel ones that are on this bridge. But the shipping to Canada is shocking and has inspired me to try my darndest before replacing them.

I soaked them for a second night, used brand new screws and a heap of chapstick lubrication, working slowly I got them loose and moving again.

I put a Glendale bridge on one of my barn casters at the request of the guy who was getting it. Seemed like a nice bridge, I'm not sure I believe all the hype about the different saddle materials however. I would definitely chase all the threads before you put it back together.

If the saddles were that corroded how is the rest of the guitar (pups and pots and everything else metal)

I guess you could also try an ultrasonic cleaner.... I have one that was used by draftsmen to clean their pens. Holds about a cup and half of whatever cleaning fluid is needed, and is good for filthy hardware and so on. Works like a champ on grimy tune-a-matics.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Yeah everything else is okay. I've cleaned all the electronics and done everything else one would do when setting a guitar up. No real problems other than the seized saddles, which are great now.

The bridge is definitely nice. I'd say it transfers energy well. As far as different saddle materials go I have to say the mojo my eyes hear when they see brass saddles on a Tele cannot be understated. (Honestly though, I do hear differences)

My next step was molasses, if that didn't work I was going to try electrolysis. There's a great Stew Mac trade secret showing that one.

For someone in the future:
Kroil is the best penetrating oil:
http://www.kanolabs.com/

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Measure Twice,

Karl Borum

I've used electrolysis on rusted plane blades with great results.