Ukulele Strap Button Placement – Online Heel Position Finder

The safest and most common location is the center of the heel cap (the dark protective plate on the bottom of the heel). This position:

• Provides excellent structural support — the wood is thickest here.
• Keeps the button out of sight from the front.
• Allows the strap to hang naturally when playing standing up.
• Avoids the truss rod (if present), as the rod typically sits above the heel cap plane.

Use our visual finder above to see the exact recommended spot based on your ukulele's dimensions.

Yes — some players prefer side-mounted strap buttons (typically on the treble side of the heel). This can be a good alternative if:

• You find bottom-mounted buttons uncomfortable against your body.
• Your ukulele has an unusually shaped heel.
• You want easier access to the button while playing.

However, the bottom-center position remains the industry standard and is generally the safest option for most instruments.

No — when done correctly. A properly drilled pilot hole (1.5–2mm diameter, 10–12mm deep) in the heel cap area does not affect the instrument's structural integrity or tone. The heel block is solid wood designed to handle tension from the neck joint. Key safety tips:

• Always drill a pilot hole — never force a screw directly into hardwood.
• Use the correct screw length (usually 8–10mm for the heel button).
• Keep the hole centered — avoid edges where wood might split.
• If your ukulele has a truss rod, stay within the heel cap depth zone (≤12mm).

Thousands of professional ukuleles have strap buttons installed — it's a standard modification.

No — many ukuleles do not have a truss rod. Here's a general guide:

• Soprano & Concert: Typically no truss rod. The short scale length and nylon strings create minimal tension.
• Tenor: Some models include a truss rod (especially higher-end or modern builds). Check inside the sound hole — if you see an adjustment nut at the end of the neck, it has one.
• Baritone: Most have a truss rod due to the longer scale and higher string tension (especially with D-G-B-E tuning).

Even with a truss rod, a bottom-center heel installation is safe because the rod sits above the heel cap plane. Just keep your drill depth under 12mm.

The second strap button is typically installed at the tail block (bottom end of the body):

• Locate the center seam of the tail block inside the body.
• Drill a pilot hole in the center of the tail block exterior.
• If your ukulele has a pickup jack already installed at the tail, you can use a jack strap button adapter instead — no additional drilling needed.

Combined with the heel button, this two-point attachment provides excellent stability for standing performance.

For most ukulele heel installations:

• Screw size: #4 or #5 wood screw, 8–12mm long (typical strap button kits include the correct size).
• Pilot hole diameter: 1.5–2.0mm (approx. 1/16″) for hardwoods like mahogany, koa, or rosewood.
• Pilot hole depth: Slightly shorter than the screw — about 8–10mm for a 12mm screw.
• Pro tip: Rub a little beeswax or bar soap on the screw threads — it eases insertion and prevents binding in hardwood.

Never skip the pilot hole — hardwoods can crack easily without one.

This is a beginner-friendly DIY job if you're comfortable with basic tools. The process takes about 10–15 minutes. However, consult a luthier if:

• Your ukulele is a vintage, antique, or high-value instrument (e.g., vintage Martin, Kamaka, or custom builds).
• You're unsure about truss rod placement in your specific model.
• You notice any cracks, loose joints, or repairs near the heel area.
• You simply don't feel confident — peace of mind is worth the luthier fee (typically $15–$40).

For most modern, mid-range ukuleles, self-installation with the right tools is perfectly safe.