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Need a "life hack" for a wobbly key.

Author: m1964
Date: 2023-08-16 01:49

Hello,
I need an advice on fixing a wobbly key.

This is an early R13 with damaged pivot screws, and couple of those screws are beyond restoration. I reused most of the screws but had to use two new screws from modern R13, which have slightly smaller diameter of the point/conus compared to original screws.

I used these new screws on the left F/C lever, and it works (sort of) but just does not have the right feel in it.
I understand that the proper fix would be to drill the ends, place metal inserts and then re-drill for the smaller screws.

However, this is an older instrument, and would become my back-up/cold weather clarinet. I do not want to invest a lot of money into fixing something that will be used rarely.

Is there any easy way to reduce/eliminate the wobble? Place a piece of foil into the holes?

Thanks

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Re: Need a "life hack" for a wobbly key.

Author: Chris P
Date: 2023-08-16 03:53

Aluminium foil should work, or you can also use PTFE tape packed into the point screw countersink to reduce the slop until you can bush it or fit a new point screw. It's only a temporary measure and won't cause any harm and you can always add more aluminium foil or PTFE tape to it if things become sloppy again.

You often see brand new Chinese saxes with the ends of long rods packed with either cork or leather to take up the slop.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Need a "life hack" for a wobbly key.

Author: m1964
Date: 2023-08-16 09:10

Thank you Sir!

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