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Re: Stuck Eb/Bb and F# trill key hinge rods

Author: John Peacock
Date: 2021-10-28 14:00

This is one of the nastiest repair issues. But at least one of the screw slots looks like it is still present. Before trying any extra force, oil the rods well (both at the end with the screw slots and at the opposite end) and leave for a day or so. Then heat the end with the screw slot. You can use a cigarette lighter to do this, but take care not to heat the wood - you can place a piece of aluminium foil under the keys to protect the wood. Then cool the rod end rapidly with a damp cloth. The idea is that the thermal shocking of expansion and contraction should break the corrosion binding the rod inside the tube. It may be wise to repeat this cycle of oiling+heating a couple of times before attempting to unscrew. Then it is critical to have a good screwdriver that fits well to whatever screwhead is left. If a previous owner has managed to strip the screwhead entirely, you have no alternative but to cut a new one using a hacksaw. This will also cut a slot in the boss around the rod, which is unsightly, but may be unavoidable. Good luck.

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