When do I know that it's time to adjust the truss rod?

[Kommerzbassist]

Hey, how can I tell that the truss rod needs to be readjusted?
thanks

[TheJangus]

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/trussrods.htm

See section titled: Check your necks relief.

[Kommerzbassist]

thanks man... thats really helpful

[nepalnt21]

when you can use ur guitar neck as a hula- hoop.

[Kommerzbassist]

Oh ****... after reading that, I'm quit eafraid of the truss rod... seems like it can really kill your neck quite fast when it breaks

[TheJangus]

just be gentle with it and only turn it small amounts at a time. if it gives you resistance take it to a tech for a setup.

[Kommerzbassist]

Let's see if I can get some "experimental" parts ;p

[Kommerzbassist]

Fast and aggressive are the two biggest mistakes that people make.

See chapter "restringing your guitar"

[Gearjoneser]

Don't worry about it. You usually only turn it in small increments, then re-check.

The only way you'll do any damage is if you have no clue about what you're doing and you keep tightening it till it's almost difficult to go further, then something snaps.
By the time you're at that point the neck will be severely back-bowed and you'll likely notice that you're killing the neck! Truss rod adjustments are really simple as long as you do everything gently.