[Harp-L] Re: pros/cons rivets/screws

[Mike Fugazzi <mikefugazzi@xxxxxxxxx>]

I prefer to use screws as well.  I've seen replacement done a number
of ways with the draw plate always being the most inventive.  I think
more than needing to absolutely be completely flat, you need to make
sure that you fit within the reed chamber of the comb.

For a while, I used to tap the reedplate, screw down the replacement
reed and then cut/sand the excess screw.  However,  I don't get to use
a nut.  I noticed the B-Rads have the screw coming from underneath and
a nut can then sit on the reed pad to help secure the reed.

The con is the screw head is on the draw plate.  Depending on the
screw, this can be no issue, or a huge pain.  It depends on if it fits
in the comb chamber or not.

Others have gone so far as to countersink the bottom of the reed plate
so a flat head screw will sit flat with the rest of the plate/rivets.
Obviously it is more labor intensive, but I've had no issues with the
other two methods.  However, the original leaves less room for error
as the plate needs to be perfectly tapped.  You have some wiggle room
as the screw head, in most instances, will easily cover the hole in
the reed pad.

With the blow plate, I like the look of the screw/nut over the screw
head, so I usually go that route.

Mike

On Mar 9, 1:12 am, shelt...@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> Hi Guys
>
> Thanks for all the great information regarding rivet tools and rivet
> removal/replacement.
>
> OK. Now I am ready to hear your opinions about rivets vs screws for reed
> replacement. Which do you think is the better method and why?
>
> Also, does the Seydel rivet removal tool work well for Hohner instruments?
>
> It appears to me that one nice thing about using screws is (provided that
> the Seydel rivet removal tool works for Hohner harps) that one can get
> everything one needs to do the job in Seydel's "basic tool kit". Is this
> true?
>
> When one uses the rivet replacement method does one have to smooth the
> edges of the rivet hole prior to inserting the new rivet? The reason for
> my question is that I think that I may have heard that setting the rivet
> causes the edges of the hole to stick up a bit.
>
> Cheers!