Valve fix

[wunks]

Has anyone had success straightening valves in situ?  Heat, weight, added moisture or a combination?

[Bill N]

If the leather is still reasonably supple I've had some success with dragging my fingernail or a small slot-head screw driver blade down the centre of the valve from the glue spot to the tip a few times. I support the underside by sliding a thin shim (usually a single edged razor blade) under the valve, so that I'm not pushing it into the slot.

 

Edited August 6, 2023 by Bill N

[wunks]

That sounds reasonable.  Maybe a little more pressure to create an embossment, with a small roller like a mini pizza wheel only not sharp.  

Edited August 6, 2023 by wunks

[d.elliott]

As a temporary fix, stretch the valve using a needle to spear the tip (gently) 

[RogerT]

To soften them up I sometimes pull them off, soften by manipulating them (rolling up in both directions, gently scraping with a metal blade etc) an d then glue back on. It's quite difficult to get at the valves inside the chamber and only takes a moment to pull off and refit. Or I pull off and glue on a new one. However, this can alter the tuning and alter the reed behaviour if the valve doesn’t open properly or lets in less air etc…so beware. Normally I fit valves before any tuning for this reason.

Edited August 7, 2023 by RogerT