hi everyone…
this old wooden flute I have encountered right know have a very different key cup screw than the modern ones
Anyone here know what tool can unscrew it and where can I get it?
picture could be viewed here
Thanks in advanced
You could try Ferreestools.com , there is a device used to remove oboe octave bushes that might do it.
Or you could take a standard flat bladed screw driver and file it into a two pronged shape.
Hi thanks for the reply, but however I cant find that particular tool in their website… and filing the screwdriver blade… will take forever I think..
Yes it can be a bit tricky to find things on thier website, I have a catalogue but it’s not to hand right now. I can look it up for you later.
Unless you are using a high quality screw driver it will only take about five minutes to file it to shape.
What is the distance between the holes on the washer? If you can tell me that,I can let you know if the oboe tool will be suitable.
It takes less time to file your screwdriver than to post your question.
Certainly incomparably less time than to locate ourchase and take delivery of a ready made object !
Engineer’s dividers might do the trick.
That’s what my flute fixer had to do (make a tool by grinding down a screwdriver) when I took him a wood Mollenhauer Boehm flute that had some kind of pad attachment system like that.
It was a doubler’s instrument, I think, because you had to CLOSE the A-flat/G-sharp key with your pinkie instead of open it and it just drove me nuts. I moved it on as soon as I found a buyer.
The tool you’re looking for is called a spanner wrench. If you have pads of different sizes, you’ll probably want to get an adjustable one. They can be had from Melles-Griot, Newport, or probably Edmund Scientific. These are optics companies, so they’ll be expensive; I suspect they can be had from a tool supplier, or someplace like Small Parts or McMaster-Carr.
Since the pad has been in place for a very long time, even with the correct tool, it may need a little “encouragement” to unscrew it. For example, a little heat on the key cup to melt the shellac (if used). Not a big deal, but something to be aware of.
Bill
Have you tried just applying the ball of your thumb to the plate and turning? This was how they were often done up. Indeed, many flutes from the period didn’t have the two little holes and you had to be able to undo the plates by thumb pressure alone. Rubber washing up glove may improve grip.
Failing that, some suggestions, some of which I’ve used:
- the engineer’s dividers, previously mentioned
- pointy-nosed tweezers
- pointy round-nosed pliers
- fine circlip pliers (engineering shop)
- snipped off end of paper clip held in bull-nose pliers
- sharp object applied to one hole only (alternate holes)
- pliers applied carefully to outside of disc - will damage pad but who cares, use your thumb to do up with new pad.
You may also find the pad somewhat thinner than modern pads. If so, Windcraft in the UK can supply thin pads.
Terry
Thanks the thumb turning wont work, I will try to make a tool tomorow.
The distance between is 4.5mm apart
I’ve searched over the net, some of them looks large, do they make something adjustable and can be only 4.5mm apart?
You could perhaps mill / drill a 4.5 mm hole in your screwdriver and cut half of the hole off.
Re: ferreestools.com , the thing is called “F3 adjustable oboe octave tube remover” . 4.5mm is within its range.
I don’t know the $ price but I suspect that it’s not worth it unless you have a lot of flutes to restore.
The Ferrees’ 2002 price list shows $38.50 for the F3 adjustable oboe octave tube remover. The non-adjustable clarinet E53 and E54 octave tube removers are $10.50 each.
The adjustable is also available from Forrests for $40.50. There’s a picture and description on the following web page.
http://www.forrestsmusic.com/brushes.htm
Maybe the tips of a needle nose pliers could be used. Pliers come in a variety of sizes.
Bill
That’s a common camera repair tool. See http://www.micro-tools.com/Merchant2/spanner.htm for alls sorts of pin spanners, cheap to expensive, J.