Klarinet Archive - Posting 000503.txt from 2002/07

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Frozen pivot screws
Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 10:44:22 -0400

Currently I am working with a lot of older instruments (many of which have been purchased on eBay), and puting them into playing condition. One of the problems you get with older clarinets, especially clarinets which were not well taken care of by their previous owners is pivot screws whih have rusted tight into the post.

This can be a vexing problem. There is potential for damage to the pivot screw, the post, or the wood body of the clarinet if not handled carefully. Great damage can be done to the instrument AND the hands of the repairman, by using force.

I have been using the following technique:

I take the post off the body of the instrument and clamp it in a vise using soft lead jaws. The lead jaws keep the post from being scratched and scarred by the vise. Then I soak the frozen pivot screw with penetrating oil. Either "3 in 1" or "WD40" seem to do nicely. I let it sit for awhile, then heat the post and the pivot screw with a butane lighter. I can usually ease the screw out then without damage.

Does anyone else out there have a similar, or better, technique?

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetXpress.com
mouthpieces, repairs, lessons

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