Pin Removal Tools!
What is your favorite thing to do on a flute overhaul?
Wait, don't answer that, I already know...
PIN REMOVAL! (Not!)
What a pain! But, with the right tools it can be easier.
First off, the old standby from Ferree's!
The F20.
From their catalog:
"This is a very versatile tool. In addition to flute key pin removal, many stubborn woodwind springs
can also be removed with the F20 Key Pin Tool. And, you can be as fast as the factory in flute key pin removal. The set consists of a frame, three anvils and three punches. The brass anvils designed so that they can fit any key configuration. Newly improved model has the punch spring loaded for stability.
ANVILS
The short brass anvil fits most keys. If you find a key that needs a custom fit, use the small lead filled anvil. This is similar to the old way of removing pins using a lead block and hand held punch. The third
anvil is tall and made of brass. Use it to reinstall the pins when assembling the key.
PUNCHES
The three punches are made out of tool steel and have been hardened and tempered. One punch has a sharp point for the pins that are ground off flush with the key. The second punch has a small flat end on the end and the third has a concave punching surface which works best on pins that protrude from the key or when reinstalling pins in the key.
INSTRUCTIONS
To use the F20 Key Pin Removal Tool, install the proper fitting anvil into the base. Place the key on the anvil and slide the punch down to contact the pin. Then tap the punch to remove the pin."
Wow...even stubborn springs...good luck getting that tool onto a flute to punch a spring out! The F20 is what I send out to all my online students. Very solid and functional. Reasonably priced as well.
Next up...JLSmith
Model 233047 This is one I have used for many. many years. You can tell by the missed hammer hits! This is the original made by Rex Bullock when he had the NOVUS tool company in California It came with a brass and plastic saddles, but no lead. I made the lead one you see in the picture out a G# lever pearl holder for a MKVI alto!
Rex bought Ed Myers and subsequently sold Ed Myers to Jeff. When Jeff was in my shop I showed him how I drilled out a hole for a piccolo test light so I could light the work area and maybe see what I was hitting. He incorporated that into the design and made a number of other improvements as well. A nice workable tool. Click the "link" above to go to his site and see how different the tool is from the original shown here.
Really nice Jeff!
"The ultimate pin removal tool: the J.L. Smith Flute Key Pin Punch, allows you to safely and easily loosen even the toughest pins without ever harming the keys or shafts. Two pin punches (pointed and concave) allow you to work with pins that are flush or slightly raised and a third needle punch with a pilot sleeve allows you to tap loose any longer pins. A spring-loaded ball holds the punch in place, allowing both hands free to hold the key and hammer. The tool also comes with 4 individually shaped anvils to support various keys on flutes or piccolos. Once you’ve tapped the pin loose just use your J.L. Smith Whole Spring & Pin Pliers* to gently pull the pin free. The J.L. Smith Flute Key Pin Punch even comes with a mini Maglight® that slips into position at the top of the tool and lights the working area. Every aspect of this beautifully crafted tool has been carefully considered and engineered for optimal accuracy and ease of use. The J.L. Smith Flute Key Pin Punch is made in America by the J.L. Smith engineering team. Individual anvils are available for easy replacement when they get overly worn and it comes with the J.L. Smith 100% lifetime warrantee so you can depend on this quality tool to last."
Next up Boehm (Bohm) Tools, Germany
Model 581, fast becoming a favorite in the shop, plied rather than a pounded! Comes with extra tips and receivers, handy and versatile for springs as well, not on flutes and clarinets so much, but great for saxophones and larger woodwind instruments.
"KEY PIN REMOVAL PLIERS Special parallel pliers for the removal of the key pins of flutes and other woodwind instruments. To fit any key configuration, there are two different anvils and two different removal punches. A very handy and yet stable tool! -581- key pin removal pliers (parallel pliers), with 2 interchangeable brass anvils and 2 interchangeable removal punches."
Last, but certainly not least, the Votaw Tool Company
Model 2780 is a masterpiece. Not only for unpinning but threading too! Very stable, multiple attachments...and did I mention, IT THREADS! Fast becoming my favorite for a few reasons. I can actually see what I am doing! With the large throat area there is no need to crank your neck to see where you are punching. If you shop is well lite, you do not need auxiliary lighting to see the key/punch relationship. Cool.
And did I mention IT THREADS TOO!
From their catalog:
"Our Punch and Thread Cutting Tool is an excellent addition to any woodwind bench. Precision designed and constructed to perform the following tasks:
- key pin removal and installation
- thread cutting hinge rods
- flattening ends of needle springs
Comes complete with:
- Main tool frame
- Drill chuck - open bore - capacity 0.015" - 0.25" (0.4mm - 6.5mm)
- 3 Key pin punches
- 3 Key hinge bases - 2 'V' blocks and 1 lead block
- Hammer punch & Anvil base - tool steel for flattening needle springs
- Storage Rack"
I encourage you to clink on the links for better pictures and prices.With a job as critical as pin removal, you can't spend too much to get the job done right!
Thanks for visiting, and as always, your comments are welcome!
"Dr. D"
If you need help with unpinnig, visit www.ciomit.com
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