i went back on ebay and found 3 or 4 12 stringers, and zoomed in on the headstocks.
sure enough, that's the kit's version of a string keeper. so, maybe in the interest of
longevity, i'll see if i have some beefier screws for it. maybe i'll purchase some different ones.
anyway, the kit has been fun ...

just out of curiosity, i took the bent rod with the flat on one side and the 2 small screw holes
down to my music store. the tech (20+ yrs service) said he's never seen a part like it on
any strat he's ever worked on. since it's included in the kit, one has to wonder just what it is...
got the ...

i bought the same kit, neck was fine. put 19 coats of clear on it. i'd like to know what you did to ground the bridge, and also what the 3/16 by 2" rod with the flat on one side is for. it's also slightly bent in the middle. after the final assy, i'll upload project pics.