Klarinet Archive - Posting 001012.txt from 1997/10

From: steve goodson <steveg@-----.net>
Subj: Re: broken needle spring question
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 1997 17:40:10 -0400

At 01:53 PM 10/25/97 -0600, Kathy Beatty wrote:
>Hi all,
>
>I've got an old metal clarinet I'm going to try to restore (or more
>likely,
>turn into a lamp) myself. One of the needle springs has broken off at
>the
>post. The post is not removable from the clarinet body. How do I extract
>the
>old, broken piece of the needle from the post? After I get that out,
>what's
>the correct procedure for inserting the new spring?
>
>
>Kathy
>

First, since you are most certainly dealing with a very old instrument,
apply some penetrating oil (Ferree Tool's Corrosion Cracker is best, Liquid
Wrench is not bad) to the post at the point where the old spring is broken
off. Assuming you don't want to invest in the proper tools for the job,
after the oil has set for a day or so, take another needle spring or equally
small sharp pointed object, and TAKING GREAT CARE NOT TO DAMAGE THE POST
drive the old spring butt out by tapping it with the pointed object.
Remember that the end of the spring is flared and that it only goes out one
way! After you've carefully measured the required length for the new spring,
clip it and flare the end with a hammer. Insert the new spring in the post
and pull it through with flat jawed pliers. Set the tension by bending it,
and you should be good to go. Please be advised that repair shops have
special tools that make the job a lot easier, and that I tried to address
the issue from the point of view that you did not wish to make such an
investment.

Practice long tones every day!

Steve Goodson

STEVE GOODSON WOODWINDS LLC "The Best Place to Take a Leak!"
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Mail: 2238 General Pershing, New Orleans LA 70115
Email steveg@-----.net
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