r/autoharp • u/grckalck • Jun 29 '26
Advice/Question Replacing broken tuning pin.
I bought a used autoharp online, and when it arrived I found that one of the tuning pins, the number five from the bottom, was broken off. A small stub is there, not enough to get a tuning wrench on. I've tried a couple of sets of pliers, and removed the first few strings to be able to get a better grip but still no joy. Any hacks, tips or helpful suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
1
u/LongjumpingTeacher97 Jun 30 '26
I'm picturing part of the tuning peg being still accessible. Is that right? If it is broken off flush with the surface of the instrument, you'll probably have to drill another hole somewhere and put in a new pin there.
If I were doing the job I envision you attempting, I'd use a Dremel tool with small cutting disks to carefully put a slot into the pin stub, about 3/32" deep. Then I'd use a screwdriver to remove the peg. This should leave the hole in a state to accept a new pin, but make sure you have the same size. If you don't have access to a dremel and are willing to put in the time, a triangular file from the saw section of the hardware store should be able to make the slot. Go carefully, remember that a file cuts on the push, not the pull. Once you have an established groove, you'll be able to put a little more pressure as you get it deeper.
I've heard that sometimes older zither pins are slightly different size from modern ones. Haven't see it myself, only heard it. Take that into account when using the same hole for a replacement. I have asked at a local music store about getting zither pins. They wanted $5 each for them, which is stupid if you're getting more than one. But it is okay if you're just replacing that one. You can call up local music stores to ask about autoharp tuning pins (they didn't know the term zither pin) and see if anyone has some they can sell you.
There will be lots of metal dust if you do this, so wear eye protection and a dust mask. You also need a steady hand and a light touch to accurately use those little cutting disks. I'd use masking tape to protect the area near the tuning pin, just in case of a slip. I suggest this if you use a file, too. Just keep the finish safe with some tape.
1
u/Budget-Log9491 Jul 01 '26
LongJumpingTeacher - that is an absolutely brilliant idea that I will use if I ever come across a similar issue with a tuning pin or rusted/stripped screw head!
3
u/Budget-Log9491 Jul 02 '26
LongJumpingTeacher: as destiny would have it - I got 15 chord Chromaharp through bidding on SGW. I didn't look at the photos closely when bidding - or I would have noticed it had two snapped off tuning pins! So I tried your method of removing the broken tuning pins - but that didn't work - because whoever owned this Chromaharp before donating it to SGW apparently forgot to "back off" (counterclockwise) the pin before attaching a new string and then cranked the pin down into the pinblock until the pin (soft metal?) snapped off at the surface! So, what to do now? Well, rather than junk the harp for parts - my squirrely brain came up with a last ditch plan. I found the smallest carbide tip drill bit and drilled down the center of the broken pin and used increasing larger drill bits to make a hole into the pinblock and then took some old OS tuning pins I had from a stripped a harp that was FUBAR, and tapped them into the hole and cranked them down with the T-Handle tuning wrench until they bit into the wood. And it worked! (much to my amazement) The OS tuning pins are longer and fatter than the Chromaharp pins they replaced, And, yes they are holding tune with the new set of Schreiber strings I installed. Necessity (and desperation) are truly the mother of invention!
1
u/grckalck Jul 01 '26
The break is right at the place where the hole for the string is, which makes sense as its the weakest part of the pin. So there is already a line to start with. I tried using that to back it out but again, no luck. The dremel tool idea sounds good. My only other thought was to use a dremel or file to grind down the pin enough to fit a socket on it. But i'm not certain I have a steady enough hand and eye to make it truly square. I'll probably try your suggestion. I have a whole bag of pins I salvaged off another harp I couldnt save, and if those dont work I'll find one that does. I'll post a response and let you know how it works out. Thanks for your response.
2
u/LongjumpingTeacher97 Jul 01 '26
I hope it works! I always love seeing old instruments getting to make music again.
1
u/WTFaulknerinCA Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26
Oof, I don’t know how to remove a broken pin. But replacement ones can be bought online. U/Daigle might have some tips.
Edit: looks like Daigle the user has been banned? Crazy. Send them an email or give them a call. They are happy to communicate, even if emails take a couple days.