Torn or Missing Clarinet Cork: Emergency DIY - Cook Instrument RepairCook Instrument Repair

by Steve Cook

The Problem at Hand

It’s bound to happen at some point. You are about to play an important gig or perhaps
are in the middle of practicing for an important performance, and suddenly your
clarinet won’t play. This could be due to a torn or missing pad. If you have a torn clarinet cork or are missing one altogether, you can complete a temporary repair with the following materials and instructions.

Required Materials

Teflon plumber’s tape, also called threaded seal tape, can be purchased at your local hardware store for about a dollar ( Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Walmart ).
Silly putty can be purchased at grocery and drugstores. (Kroger, Dollar Tree, Staples.)

Both items fit easily into your instrument’s case, so you can have them handy for a last-minute emergency.

CAUTION: These instructions are only meant for an emergency and temporary repair. As soon as possible, take your instrument to a qualified repair technician for a longer lasting repair.

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Instructions for a Torn Pad

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Step 1

Look for a torn pad as depicted in Figure 1.

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2-3 inch torn piece of teflon tape laying flat as possible. — Figure 2

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Step 2

Tear off a 2 to 3-inch piece of Teflon tape making sure to keep it as flat as possible as shown in Figure 2.

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Step 3

As shown in Figure 3, place the piece of tape between the torn pad and the tone hole.

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The ends of teflon tape twisted together around a clarinet key in order to secure the temporarily fixed torn clarinet pad. — Figure 4

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Step 4

Twist the ends of the tape together around the key as depicted in Figure 4.

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Instructions torn pad for a Torn P

Instructions for a Missing Pad

Step 1

Look for a missing pad as depicted in Figure 1.

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Silly putty for an emergency clarinet repair. — Figure 2

Step 2

Tear off a piece of silly putty about the size of the pad cup.

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Step 3

Place the putty in the empty pad cup.

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Step 4

Tear off a 2 to 3-inch piece of Teflon tape making sure to keep it as flat as possible.

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Step 5

Place the piece of tape between the putty and the tone hole.

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Step 6

Twist the ends of the tape together around the key.

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Step 7

Gently press the key against the tone hole just enough to create and impression in the putty.

CAUTION: If you press too hard, the putty will squeeze out of the tape.

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What’s Next?

Once you have completed these steps, you should be able to make it through your event. Remember this is a temporary repair. As soon as possible, you should take your instrument to a qualified technician for them to complete a long-lasting repair and provide any other necessary services.

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