The Clarinet BBoard

Re: Conn Serial number (already have been to Conn's website)

Author: clarnibass  Date:   2010-02-11 03:58 >> but several of the lower joint screw/rods are stuck solid. I've >> tried normal oil for a few nights, then penetrating oil for a few >> nights...still nothing, and I've unfortunately started stripping >> the screw heads. I don't have one of those special tools for >> backing a stripped screw out...what are my best options? First is to verify if the stuck screw is a rod screw or a pivot screw. If you are not sure what is the difference, see this article http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/content.php?150-Saxophone-keywork-reference-for-technical-terms it is about saxophone keys but this is the same on a clarinet. For a rod screw, first check if it is stuck inside the key or inside the post (or both). If the key can move, you check by looking if the rod screw moves with the key when you press it and let it return. If they move together, it is stuck in the key, if not, it is stuck in one (or both) of the posts. After you identify where it is stuck (for pivot screws it is always in the post) use penetrating oil - and very important - use heat! Usually you can use a flame for this even on a wood or a plastic clarinet. Especially with plastic, you really have to be careful, and maybe better to use something like a Weller soldering gun, for example http://www.elexp.com/solder/d550.jpg then cut the tip off and touch with both tips on the part you want to heat (the part e.g. a key, a post, etc. will conduct it and will heat faster this way). You have to make the penetrating oil hot enough until you se it bubbles and/or vapours. You need to do this repeatedly, let's say several times a day and also wait to let it penetrate. I've never had a stuck screw take more than a day using this method but I know it can take a few days or more sometimes. VERY important: You MUST use EXCELLENT screwdrivers! They must have a very good handle, a strong and sharp tip that fits the slot and long enough shaft for alignment. You also need to press down while you are turning. If you see you are beginning to wreck the slot then stop imediately! You need to repeat more with the penetraing oil & heat. I would do this for at least 2-3 days, several times a day. Also worth it to try to use the screwdriver while it is hot. If you already wrecked the slot then it might be too late to do anything with a screwdriver anyway. In this situation I usually re-cut a slot with a micromotor while the screw is still stuck. Ever since I have the tool for this it has never failed. But you probably can't do this (most likely impossible to do with a dremel or flexible shaft)? If all else fails then a last resort is to cut the key right next to the post. Since I have the tool to re-cut a slot I never had to do this. But before doing it you should check how it would help i.e. would you be able to remove the key, remove the posts, etc. It might help you since you can hold some part in a vise, etc. or try to tap out a part that is stuck in a post. BTW this method of cutting is mainly for keys with rod screws, less for pivot screws. There are probably more issues that I forgot. The problem with this and many other repairs is that a lot of times they don't go exactly as you planned and during the repair you find more problems that you need other strategies to deal with. Or you can just bring the clarinet to a repairer who can do this Post Edited (2010-02-11 05:35)

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