Klarinet Archive - Posting 000505.txt from 2002/07

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Frozen pivot screws
Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 11:08:15 -0400

Your approach is sound. Unscrewing the
post is good, if you can first remove
the key. I'm assuming that at least one
of the end pivots can be undone to first
get the key piece off.

I would suggest a bolt loosening
formula. For me, anyway, it seems to
work better than WD-40.

Having a good screwdriver is important,
too. Ferree's sells screwdrivers with
big, persuasive handles. Keep the tips
sharp, keep them an exact size and shape
to fully fill the slot in the screws.

For those screws that you're first
attempting to remove with posts still
mounted into the body, always keep in
mind where your clarinet, body holding
hand is in relation to the tip of the
screwdriver. Where will the screwdriver
go when it slips off the screw and
plunges forward?

In some instances, a needle spring will
also need to be removed. You don't want
to heat the spring when heating the
post. Again, Ferree's has some good
pliers combinations for getting out very
stubborn springs.

Have fun, and if the worst happens, make
sure your tetanus shot is up to date!

GrabnerWG@-----.com wrote:

> 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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