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Re: Oiling your keys: a cautionary tale

Author: TomS
Date: 2015-05-26 20:11

When I remove a key to replace a pad or fix a cork, I use pipe a cleaner moistened with alcohol and clean the hing tubing and wipe the screw rod down. I'll use canned air to blow out the tubing (fuzz from the pipe cleaners), drip a drop of oil in and slide the rod back inside the key tubing (before reinstalling). I hold the rod at each end and give the key a spin, making sure it turns freely and quickly. I then install the key on the clarinet.

I use a special synthetic oil ... the brand escapes my feeble brain ... Some technicians used Clock Oil (from the jawbone of whales?). This oil will not get gummy.

Pivot screws get dropped in alcohol and the key tubing is cleaned with a really wet cotton swab and dried with canned air. Pivot screw dried as well. I then remount the key, leaving everything loose and apply a drop of oil, before tightening.

BE SURE TO IMMEDIATELY WIPE UP EXTRA OIL THAT MAY GET ON CLARINET WOOD OR HARD RUBBER. Some lubricants are not good for wood, rubber or plastic.

Tom Ridenour has a video on the use of teflon tape to replace lubricant and take up slack in the pivot screws.

My usual rambling three cents worth ...

Tom

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