Help!!! a pad on my clarinet fell off .How would you put it back on?

Question

Help!!! a pad on my clarinet fell off .How would you put it back on?

Answer 1

First I would take the key off.  I'd make sure it's clean and level while it's off.

Then I'd measure the pad and pull one the same diameter and thickness from the box.

I'd melt a some flake shellac into the pad cup and float the pad into position.  Then let the shellac cool before replacing the pad.

I'd then reassemble the key and use a leak light and pad feeler to make sure it's seated correctly.  It never is.

I'd carefully heat the shellac so that I can float the pad into the correct seating.  Might need a pad iron or might need to take it off and add or reduce the amount of shellac in the cup.  Once cooled again, I'd seal the pad done for a bit to make sure it stays seated.

Then I'd play the instrument throughout the range to make sure everything is working right.  If you're having a pad problem on one key, I'd expect to find other problems too.  I'd suggest that you get everything it needs done while I have it apart since it won't cost you much more than parts to do that.

If I have to get super glue out of that pad cup - that'll cost you about $100.  That stuff is hard to remove completely.  I may have to replace that key altogether if we can even find one.

Sound complicated?  Not for a repair tech.  Ã¢Â˜Âº  If you must do it yourself, do it correctly.  You wouldn't fix your car's transmission with some super glue and duct tape would you?

Answer 2

youd have to take it to an instrument repair shop.

you could try to like super glue it back on but you might bend a key and that would definatly not be good. If you use to much glue you could also glue the key to the instrament so i would just take it in.

Answer 3

I can only assume you are in a school band.  Take it to the music director; they usualy have a little kit for stuff like that.  Resist the urge to glue it back on yourself, you can use the wrong glue and cause some damage.  When you get a chance you may want to take it to a music store for a refit of all the pads, tune up and adjustments.  Again, the band director can suggest a place that is reasonable.  If one pad is coming off I am certain more are sure to follow.  Take care of your instrument.  My son played oboe and it originaly cost me 5K.  He played it for 5 years and I recently sold it for 5K - so take care of it.

JR