Arm Question

Last week I ordered a second tremolo arm since I thought I lost my original arm. (Turns out I actually just left it at the jam space like a idiot, regardless having a spare around is a good idea)
My spare arrived today and when I put it on my Kahler to make sure it fits, it threads like, half way in before it starts getting super stiff while my original bar threads in close to all the way before it gets stiff. I didn't thread the new one in all the way since I didn't wanna risk damaging anything, is this because the bar needs some kind of lubricate to get in all the way? I think the luthier who installed my Kahler used graphite powder.
Any tips on what I can do to get it to feel like my original arm?

Your just experiencing the range of tolerances and machine slop. Set up the same machine with the same stock ans same tooling on a different day, ittl be a few thou off.

I'd say a little cutting oil on the threads and run it in an out a few times. Wipe it off every other run thru. If that doesn't loosten it up try running some steel wool over them threads.

I never liked the threaded arm into the cam design. The threads always tighten with the arm in an un - ideal position. Loosten it so its dangling then when you use it you can feel the slop in the threads. I have one arm that's perfect so that one is always on my fav bass. This is the only design shortcomming I see with kahler.

What I'd really like is one of those short palm paddle bars.

Agreed with MadMike. My new arms always start out really stiff, but they eventually loosen up, and even, get a little sloppy. One of the drawbacks of the design IMHO.

Shoot Mike, I wish I had known about a year ago. I had one of those old paddle arms, but I think it got sold.

Thanks guys.

Yeah my bar is getting pretty loose as well.
I still have my Hipshot arm from my Rickenbacker around, think I might try to get it fit for my Kahler.
Slightly longer than my Kahler arms and always good having a spare around.

Did my first gig with the Kahler on the 13th. Worked perfectly!

hm i thought you spun the arm in till it hits the locknut you preset then you give a little more and it stays where you want it?