 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ted
Date: 1999-02-10 16:55
I have a screw that always seems to unscrew partially after about a half hour of practicing. If it matters, it's the screw for the left pinky F#, C# key. What can I do short of avoiding pieces with two or more sharps in the key signature to prevent this problem.
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Author: jo
Date: 1999-02-10 17:12
there is a substance called loc-tite that is made primarily for screws that refuse to stay in place usually from vibration. It comes in two strengths identified by red (strong) and blue? temporary. Make sure you use the temporary. You might also try using a chunk of bees wax or candle wax in the female end . This should take care of the problem.
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Author: Kevin Bowman
Date: 1999-02-10 17:31
clean the the screw and the receiving threads of any foriegn material (oil, grime). You can use a pipe cleaner inside the post. You might even want to soak the screw in a degreaser. Now, on re-assembly, you *want* a little bit of fine oil on the rod but not on the screw threads. Sewing machine oil is good to use and I'm sure a repair tech would recommend some other special oil (I'm not a repair tech).
For a *temporary* solution, you can try wrapping fine sewing thread a couple of times around the screw thread. I would not recommend using loc-tite, even the temporary kind. If the problem persists after you have done a cleaning operation, get thee to a reliable repair shop where a trained repair person can create a permanent fix.
Kevin Bowman
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Author: Fred McKenzie
Date: 1999-02-10 17:36
ted wrote:
-------------------------------
I have a screw that always seems to unscrew partially after about a half hour of practicing.
Ted-
Something is binding. If the screw is a long one, the tube it travels through may be bent slightly. If the instrument has been around a while, there may be a buildup of dried lubricant between the screw rod and the tube.
If it has a cone-shaped end that just fits into the end of the tube, it may have some kind of abrasiveness that binds. It may be possible to polish the bearing surfaces so that they work smoothly.
It may just need a little key oil.
Fred
<a href=http://www.dreamnetstudios.com/music/mmb/index.htm>MMB</a>
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Author: edi malinaric
Date: 1999-02-10 19:37
Ted - stay away from Loctite - it's too good. Sometimes you can't remove the screw later - even if you've used the correct grade. The setting is irreversible and there is no solvent for it. The only way to break a bonded joint is to overheat it. Tricky to achieve without risking further damage.
For preventing screws from vibrating loose I have had success using Goodyear Pliobond which is a latex based contact adhesive.
I would proceeed as follows :
Clean everything with acetone.
Oil the shaft of the screw and the key - wipe off the excess oil.
Degrease the thread on the screw and also inside the post.
Using a needle (or something similar) introduce a very little Pliobond into the threaded hole and onto the thread of the screw.
Assemble and allow to stand overnight.
The bond resists vibration superbly and can be unscrewed quite easily. I've been using it for years in rallying, motor racing and aircraft applications. Acetone is useful to clean off the old glue.
Passing thought - I wouldn't have called it a "stubborn" screw - sounds to me that it's a free spirit!
Best of luck - edi
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Author: rick2
Date: 1999-02-10 19:49
Forget any bonding agents. Just wrap the screw with a little bit of teflon tape that you can buy in the plumbing department of the local hardware store. If it can seal water and air leaks in pipe threads, it will hold your screw in place and it comes off easily.
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-02-11 00:02
Use a little dot of clear nail polish over the end. It can be easily removed with nail polish remover.
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Author: Jim Carabetta
Date: 1999-02-11 01:12
I've used the same method with great success. Usually only enough sticks to keeps the screw from working back out, and the torque of the screwdriver breaks whatever seal is formed whenever removal is required.
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