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Extracting and Installing Xylophone Nails By: Margaret Swain - 4/15/2013
This series of photos shows 2 similar strategies for extracting nails from xylophone and metallophone resonator boxes. By using an "extraction bar" you can remove nails without damaging the box in the process. Here are 2 types of extraction bars, one has a hole in the end, one does not. Either type can be used. The length must be long enough to span the widest part of the resonator box. The width needs to be narrow enough to fit between 2 adjacent nails. For the height, you're aiming for a bar that is a little shorter than the height of the nail. Alto xylo. with 2 nails that need to come out. Strategy #1: USE EYE PROTECTION. First remove or displace the tubing. Place the wood with the hole in it over the nail, resting the other end on the other side of the box. Position the claw hammer so all of its force is pressing on the extraction bar. Pull the claw hammer toward yourself. The nail will come out. Strategy #2: USE EYE PROTECTION. First remove or displace the tubing. Use a plain wood bar and position it as shown, so it is touching the nail you want to remove. Position the claw hammer so all of its force is pressing on the extraction bar. Pull the claw hammer toward yourself. The nail will come out. When installing new nails with rubber sheathing, check to see if the old and new nail sizes are similar. If the existing hole is too large, insert a flat toothpick into the hole, break it off, and then use a lightweight hammer to tap in the nail. If the existing hole is too small or not deep enough, you may need to pre-drill it. Choose a drill bit that is a little smaller in diameter than the new nail you are installing. I recommend using a lightweight hammer (i.e. ball-peen hammer) for added control. In this way, you'll avoid inserting the nail too far, which can compress the rubber sheathing. 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