REALLY stuck tuning slide

A.N.A.Mendez · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 9:27 pm Post subject: REALLY stuck tuning slide

I've got an old one with a badly stuck tuning slide. I've tried the sharp tugs with a cloth, then a belt but no go. I heated area with hot water but was reticent to overheat tubes, any suggestions?
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JazzInBb · Veteran Member Joined: 09 Jan 2005 Posts: 196

Stick it in the freezer for a couple hours (without the valves), then try pulling.
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A.N.A.Mendez · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 9:42 pm Post subject:

OK, I'll try it!. Thanks!
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"There is no necessity for deadly strife" A. Lincoln 1860

☛ "No matter how cynical you get, it's never enough to keep up" Lily Tomlin☚

THE BD · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 10:43 pm Post subject:

A.N.A.Mendez · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:12 pm Post subject:

Scary!
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"There is no necessity for deadly strife" A. Lincoln 1860

☛ "No matter how cynical you get, it's never enough to keep up" Lily Tomlin☚

vivace · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:26 pm Post subject:

with the cloth, are you pulling on the cloth, or do you have it in a vice? I learned to use a vice to hold the cloth, that way you can support the horn as you tug and catch the slide so it doesnt' fly off.
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Dave Mickley · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 4:41 am Post subject:

Take it to a tech and have them remove the slide or take it to a tech and have them repair it, your choice. if you decide to do it yourself, Good Luck and spray some WD-40 or penetrating oil down the lead pipe first. if that doesn't work and you take it to a tech tell him what you sprayed in your horn so he doesn't get a surprise. Dave

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A.N.A.Mendez · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 5:02 am Post subject:

Thanks!
_________________
"There is no necessity for deadly strife" A. Lincoln 1860

☛ "No matter how cynical you get, it's never enough to keep up" Lily Tomlin☚

badebop · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 5:10 am Post subject:

The WD-40 has worked for me many times when I thought I would have to send it off to a techie. Spray the outside of the stuck slide also. It won't hurt the finish. Let it sit overnight. The next day tap around the slide area with a rawhide hammer. If you don't have one don't use a substitute.

TheLawTalkingGuy · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 5:21 am Post subject:

I'm glad two experienced people have used WD-40 with no ill effects. Now I don't feel so bad about using it to try and unstick a frozen tuning slide on one of my eBay "bargain" Ambassadors. When I gave up and took it to my repair guy, he chided me for using WD-40, which he says is designed to repel water once applied, and turns to a waxy substance that is difficult to remove when you try to wash out the horn. He recommended a 50/50 mix of valve oil (he uses Blue Juice) and Ronsonol (lighter fluid). Then he lets it penetrate before he uses the vice, rawhide hammer etc.
Sounded crazy to me, but apparently the Ronsonol dilutes the valve oil enough to get it into tight spaces, but then evaporates, leaving just valve oil, but no residue. Anyone else heard of this?
Just don't smoke while you're applying it

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John Underhill

The purpose of all music is "the glory of God and the re-creation of the human spirit." (J.S. Bach)

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A.N.A.Mendez · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 5:48 am Post subject:

Sounds good, Thanks to all.('

')
_________________
"There is no necessity for deadly strife" A. Lincoln 1860

☛ "No matter how cynical you get, it's never enough to keep up" Lily Tomlin☚

sskaggs · Regular Member Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 15

On the WD40 topic.....I got my valves replated about a year ago, and the 2nd valve is still notoriously sticky. Is it safe to try this on a valve??

Shannon

Druyff · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:06 am Post subject:

You could try a blend of valve oil with some teflon spray or rub the valve lightly with diagonal strokes with one of those rough green sponges. Worked wonders for my Holton.
Did you polish and lubricate the valve guides too? (if they're metal)

I would use WD40 only if you can't get the valve out. Unhealthy stuff.
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sskaggs · Regular Member Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 15

Thanks. Honest truth, I do polish it, but not nearly as often as I should. I guess I just need to get into the habit of doing that as soon as it starts sticking. On a side note, props to Chuck McAlexander in NY who did the replating. He did an excellent job.

Shannon

KevinPierce · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:21 am Post subject:

NO do not try it on a valve

KevinPierce · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:22 am Post subject:

I've heard some bad storys.
Just clean your valves, inside and out, then apply some Al Cass

TimBrown · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:59 am Post subject: Re: REALLY stuck tuning slide

pastbrass · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 8:03 am Post subject:

Hi Ana,
All of the suggestions will sometimes work on a stuck slide but it's best to try them on a horn you really don't care about! I've repaired many trumpets that have been "fixed" by their owners who've had good intentions but bad technique. Take the one you love to a good repair tech.
Scott
P.S. It's nice to see a picture of Leon with his Conn Victor on his knee in your post!

cornetguy · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 8:19 am Post subject:

this is not a do it yourself job, take it to the repair tech. very often a cheap repair is made more expensive by do it yourself "repairs".

A.N.A.Mendez · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 8:56 am Post subject:

All good advice, what a country! Thanks guys.
_________________
"There is no necessity for deadly strife" A. Lincoln 1860

☛ "No matter how cynical you get, it's never enough to keep up" Lily Tomlin☚