 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2006-04-16 08:01
Here's one I can't seem to find in the archives. Is there a specific multitool (ie - best model of swiss army knife/leatherman/gerber/etc.) that seems to be able to help with most basic clarinet repairs or things of that nature?
Meaning, is there a multitool out there that is small enough to fit in the case, and has a screwdriver small enough to fit the posts or something of that nature? Just wondering....
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-04-16 10:33
The small Loree screwdrivers with interchangeable tips are useful, but I don't know of a multitool that has screwdrivers and spring hooks all in one.
It'd be a good tool for oboes if it has several octave bush removers as well, and a small set of smooth jawed pliers to pull screws with, and a reed knife.
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Author: Danny Boy
Date: 2006-04-16 10:36
We could go on and on couldn't we Chris?
Don't forget the blow torch for changing pads.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-04-16 11:33
And a set of pad levelling tools, stick of shellac, feeler gauges, cork...
I'll end up stripping out my workshop!
I carry loads more tools with my oboe/cor than I do with my clarinets - only a Loree screwdriver and a packet of Rizlas for my clarinets, but all the reed sorting out gubbins that goes with oboes is ridiculous.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2006-04-16 12:16
The Palm series of handheld computers are successful because they only do a few things, but do them well.
There should be sufficient room for a single screwdriver (Sears sells a decent line marked "professional" 41523) that can be filed to proper width for your instrument. Get it narrow enough to fit the smallest screw.
A small pair of Hooked needle-nose pliers should fit near your music pouch.
That, and a few Valentino "just in case" pads should do the trick.
****
Beyond that, the Swiss Tool has LOADS of gizmos, but it weighs a stack.
Other variants with a small enough screwdriver blade are too flimsy to actually turn a reluctant screw...
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2006-04-16 14:52
Jet mini lathe.
Portable generator.
Scorby turning tools.
Annealing furnace.
Milling machine.
OK...Ditto on the Sears screwdriver...It looks like a pen but has several hidden reversible small points. Often "on sale" in the bins as a gift item.
Music Medic has a "small kit" for minor repairs.
Reed tools are a big problem for double reed players because of the knife.
The Traffic safety dudes would def. grab a Landwell knife in the oboe or bassoon case. I guess they have to check them through in stored luggage.
And dont forget the Excedrin.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: mnorswor
Date: 2006-04-16 14:59
I travel quite a lot and when I do I always have with me 1 set of screwdrivers (the type with changeable tips), one pair of needlenose pliers, a spring hook and a lighter or matches in case I have to heat up a key cup. This setup for me fixes just about any problem until I can get to a repair guy and it all fits in a nice tiny little case that I can just throw in my suitcase.
--Michael
http://www.michaelnorsworthy.com
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-04-16 15:02
Aside from the usual screwdriver(s) which everyone should carry, I always carry a needle spring hook with me.
In the event of a spring being dislodged from its cradle, a spring hook (or a crochet needle) makes the repair quite simple.
More than once I've even loaned it to bassonists and flutists in an emergency just before a concert.
BTW - The absolute best "multitool" to carry for a short term repair? A few different size rubber bands or elastic hair ties. Remember - "rubber" bands can tarnish the keys if left for extended periods, so only use as a very temporary fix..GBK
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-04-16 16:40
I carry (in addition to the screwdrivers), a small pliers (for both bassoon reeds and for other problems) and a crochet hook (for spring hooking purposes). Also, I've found that plastic "rubber bands" work well as temporary springs, without discoloring the silver plating on the horns as will the regular "real" ones.
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2006-04-16 22:02
might as well bring a backup clarinet instead of a bunch of tools ......
or one of those screw driver sets w/interchangle tips as mentioned. take one of the flat tips and saw out a small 'V' or notch for your spring tool.
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Author: Cuisleannach
Date: 2006-04-17 04:30
Q. What's the easiest way for a repairman/woman to make a hundred dollars?
A. Sell a flutist a screwdriver
-Randy
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-04-17 14:09
The notch in the end of the screwdriver works well as long as you can access the spring in the "push" direction. If you have to pull, then you're up the metaphoric creek without the proverbial paddle.
I have used just the plain screwdriver blade for "push" duties. You have to take care, but it can be done.
Modifying screwdrivers for custom purposes is old hat around here. Every since I started playing hockey as a wee sprout back in the late 1950's, I've carried two stubby screwdrivers in the bankbag "tool kit" that resides in the end compartment of my hockey bag.
One of these has a standard blade, while the other has a standard blade with a square notch ground into the middle. (I.e., it looks something like this >|-_-|< in elevation view from the side.) The normal one is placed in the "normal" screw heads on the outside of hockey helmets, while the notch one is placed in the slotted nuts on the inside that have the screw portion of the outer screw protruding from the center of same.
Even though they use stainless and other sophisticated metals on these particular fasteners, they have a habit of getting pretty corroded from all of the sweat to which they are exposed. Without some way of holding the nut on the inside (which cannot be done with a regular screwdriver), you just can't break them loose.
As the little cartoon gal in Playboy magazine always used to say, "The right tool for the right job."
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2006-04-17 14:29
I've carried a small Swiss Army knife in my case for years (I think it was a special model, made for Radio Shack) which has been worth its weight in gold. It has a full-size phillips screwdriver -- perfect for tightening slipping Manhasset stand desks, a sharp blade for emergency reed scrapes, a larger blade for opening snacks etc., and a tweezers -- great for pulling unscrewed rods and for fitting small shims in an emergency. This, plus a small assortment of screwdrivers has served me very well.
Only had it confiscated once; when I went to traffic court to appeal a parking ticket (won that one)!
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-04-17 15:15
So, if you all were to request a multitool to be made from a company-what would it have in it?
Be realistic and try to limit it to around 5 small things max (I don't know how many things could reasonably fit into a multitool. Maybe more than 5 could work?). It would be pretty cool if one if these started to be made. Maybe the Doctor could make one up and sell them. All the tools could fit into it like a swiss army knife and one could simply pull out the needed accessory.
Seems to me that at least 2 things in it would be a screwdriver (flat head) and a spring hook. What else?
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Author: Cuisleannach
Date: 2006-04-17 16:16
I carry a very small crochet hook with a notch cut into the head of the crook to serve push/pull spring hook duties. Since they are aluminium they are very light and cheap.
A pad slick might be worth it, too. Not only can they iron out pads (w/an appropriate heat source they can also bend keys without improperly angling the pad cup (for people experienced enough to manage this delicate surgery).
For serious repar jobs I'd also include a pad height gage. Diagonal cutting pliers would also be useful, particularly if they were designed with a special cut-out that would allow you to set needle springs.
-Randy
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-04-17 16:37
"It has a full-size phillips screwdriver -- perfect for tightening slipping Manhasset stand desks..."
I do the "tighten up" on these as a matter of course, carrying a special flat plate wrench for the purpose. It always irritates me to go somewhere and find that every Manhasset desk has the wobbles, particularly when it is so easy to fix them in the first place.
Now, those other ones, the music stands from hell....well, that's another story...
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
Post Edited (2006-04-17 16:38)
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