Why we do what we do

On flute repads and overhauls we ALWAYS disassemble the key groups. For example the right hand stack keys are actually a group of 4 individual keys plus spacers, pins, and a rod that can be disassembled and cleaned. In fact they SHOULD be disassembled and cleaned periodically to remove the old dried out oil and gunk and cleaned and relubricated.


A flute recently came in that is a perfect example of why we do this. The trill keys no longer worked because of the corrosion. Once they finally came apart this is what they looked like. Cleaning the rod and hinge tube removed the collected grunge but they had been this way for so long that the steel rod is pitted for good. The only remedy is to replace the rod (major job) or replace the trill key group.

Posted 9/29/2005 @ 10:42 AM | Band Instrument Repair

I am in agreement about the cleaning of the "stacks" and have done it. Funny though, an owner of the major band instrument tool manufacturer in the world who gives workshops pooh-poohs this because he says it wears out the pins ("they'll only go in so many times.."). Nuts to that.
I am, though, looking for ideas on pin removal that might make the job easier (I own what I think is the state of the art pin remover.....) or, maybe I should say, safer and less destructive to those sometime very stubborn pin-holes....

Posted by Ken Feneley (email) on 1/18/2006 @ 8:08 AM

Hi Ken,
Good to see you here. For ideas on pin removal (and since you also frequent PROBIRT), I'll mention that I've got a couple articles on PROBIRT.com about this:

1.A general article about disassembling key groups
2. Adding the link and spring bar remover to your arsenal

I'd also be interested in knowing your techniques if you do anything differently.

Thanks,
Michelle

Posted by Michelle (email) on 1/23/2006 @ 3:19 PM