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Extracting and Installing Glockenspiel Nails By: Margaret Swain - 1/15/2013
Glockenspiels, even those that are decades old, can be reconditioned by replacing the rubber covered nails and tubing. Before beginning any repair work, be sure to wear eye protection. The blue tool shown here is called a Moulding Prybar, and can be used to remove the nails. Alternatively, a small claw hammer (8oz. or smaller) will also work well. The tool with the black handle is a tack puller, for removing the tubing tacks. Start by placing a piece of wood or metal across both sides of the resonator box. You are going to be prying and don't want to damage the box. We have created a metal extraction bar for this purpose. Slide the claw of the tool around the nail. Pull back with one hand while bracing your other hand on the far side of the bar. Make sure the force of the tool is centered on the bar, and that your bracing hand is out of range should the tool slip. This allows the nail to come out without damaging the box. When pulling larger nails, such as those on xylophones or metallophones, I use a regular claw hammer, and a wooden bar to span the sides of the resonator box. A photo sequence for this repair can be found here. When you have removed all the old nails and are ready to add the new, you may notice that some of the holes are too large and need to be filled. Rather than using glue, which will make it harder for the next person who reconditions the instrument, obtain some flat toothpicks, insert them into the holes, and break them off as needed. You can then tap in the new nails, and they will be held securely. Above all, do not pound any nail too far into the resonator box. This puts stress on the rubber sheath and reduces its lifespan. I like to use a lightweight ball-peen hammer for installing new nails as this gives me a lot of control. You are welcome to contact me at any time with questions on parts selection or Orff instrument repair. © 2013

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Margaret Swain

I enjoy working to connect teachers to quality books and instruments for music and dance education. I hope you find my blog useful and interesting.

Mad Robin Music and Dance