Help with screwdrivers
March 11, 2023 8:26 AM Subscribe
I have an old melodica I want to take apart to disinfect, but I need to get it open. Please see snowflakes.
This melodica was stored in a hoarded house, and I am aware that bagpipe lung exists. So I want to open it to clean it out, but the screwdrivers I own and the set I bought especially for this don't fit into the slot. Further complication: I'm not strong, so I want something electric. I tried a screwdriver from my eyeglasses set, which was too small anyway, but I couldn't even slightly budge a screw with it. Also, I don't want to go into a store due to being immunocompromised. If you find yourself writing, "I know you don't want to go into a store, but," maybe skip this question.
I bought this set because it has a 4 mm bit, but it was too thick to fit into the slot. I'm totally willing to buy another set, but I really want it to work. Is a set like this one, for fixing electronics, more likely to work? If there is information on side that is related to thickness, not width, I'm not finding it or understanding it.
I have seen instructions online that say you can clean a melodica by flushing the inside with vinegar, but I'm not sure that would be enough. From the outside, it looks completely clean, and I'm not sure it was even used. So if you have thoughts on this, I'd be happy to hear those too.
This melodica was stored in a hoarded house, and I am aware that bagpipe lung exists. So I want to open it to clean it out, but the screwdrivers I own and the set I bought especially for this don't fit into the slot. Further complication: I'm not strong, so I want something electric. I tried a screwdriver from my eyeglasses set, which was too small anyway, but I couldn't even slightly budge a screw with it. Also, I don't want to go into a store due to being immunocompromised. If you find yourself writing, "I know you don't want to go into a store, but," maybe skip this question.
I bought this set because it has a 4 mm bit, but it was too thick to fit into the slot. I'm totally willing to buy another set, but I really want it to work. Is a set like this one, for fixing electronics, more likely to work? If there is information on side that is related to thickness, not width, I'm not finding it or understanding it.
I have seen instructions online that say you can clean a melodica by flushing the inside with vinegar, but I'm not sure that would be enough. From the outside, it looks completely clean, and I'm not sure it was even used. So if you have thoughts on this, I'd be happy to hear those too.
Best answer: If the screws are at all rusted, put a drop or two of penetrating oil on them and wait a day or two. Kroil can be purchased from Amazon.
If you have access to a file you can just file down the bit until it fits into the slot.
For a stuck screw sometimes it's best to unstick it with a manual screwdriver as you can often get more torque than an electric one. Once it's unstuck you can get it the rest of the way with the electric driver.
You're right to take it apart fully. I picked an old harmonica off a shelf once, sucked into it to play a note, and promptly had to spit out the dead bug that had been inside.
In order to help further, you might want to post a photo of the screws you're trying to turn, perhaps with something next to them for scale.
If you're talking a flat blade screwdriver, I might cover my bases and order a set of just flat blades.
posted by bondcliff at 8:39 AM on March 11, 2023 [3 favorites]
If you have access to a file you can just file down the bit until it fits into the slot.
For a stuck screw sometimes it's best to unstick it with a manual screwdriver as you can often get more torque than an electric one. Once it's unstuck you can get it the rest of the way with the electric driver.
You're right to take it apart fully. I picked an old harmonica off a shelf once, sucked into it to play a note, and promptly had to spit out the dead bug that had been inside.
In order to help further, you might want to post a photo of the screws you're trying to turn, perhaps with something next to them for scale.
If you're talking a flat blade screwdriver, I might cover my bases and order a set of just flat blades.
posted by bondcliff at 8:39 AM on March 11, 2023 [3 favorites]
Best answer: The table on this page lists blade thickness for each of the sizes of blade width they offer; similar for the other series. But to get a blade with the right thickness you would first have to measure the width of the screw's slot using a feeler gauge. Also, this is a well-known German manufacturer, I doubt that any odd screwdriver or bits set from Amazon would have the same dimensions.
I actually have a set similar to the one from your second link, but from Wera, another German manufacturer. We also have a Chinese version here, priced about the same as the Amazon one (the Wiha was more than twice that). The bits in the Chinese set are just less precise, so could well be thicker for the same width.
The two smallest bits in the set Bondcliff links to may well fit, but without measuring the screw slot it would still be guesswork. An advantage of 1/4" bit sets is that you can get T-handles, with which you can put more torque on a screw than you would with a normal screwdriver, and as you hold it differently it matters less that your hands can't grip that strongly.
A pencil-shaped electric screwdriver won't actually help you, your hand will have to grip it and provide the torque anyway. One with a side grip would help, similar to a T-handle.
posted by Stoneshop at 12:18 PM on March 11, 2023 [2 favorites]
I actually have a set similar to the one from your second link, but from Wera, another German manufacturer. We also have a Chinese version here, priced about the same as the Amazon one (the Wiha was more than twice that). The bits in the Chinese set are just less precise, so could well be thicker for the same width.
The two smallest bits in the set Bondcliff links to may well fit, but without measuring the screw slot it would still be guesswork. An advantage of 1/4" bit sets is that you can get T-handles, with which you can put more torque on a screw than you would with a normal screwdriver, and as you hold it differently it matters less that your hands can't grip that strongly.
A pencil-shaped electric screwdriver won't actually help you, your hand will have to grip it and provide the torque anyway. One with a side grip would help, similar to a T-handle.
posted by Stoneshop at 12:18 PM on March 11, 2023 [2 favorites]
Best answer: If you're going to be getting any kind of manual screwdriver/bit holder, I'd get a ratcheting one. It helps a lot with the strength issue.
posted by trig at 12:10 AM on March 12, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by trig at 12:10 AM on March 12, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: For very small slotted screws, I would definitely not recommend an electric driver, as you are courting disaster. Very small screws are very fragile and it's easy to strip the screw heads with an electric driver. Screwdriver bits like those linked by bondcliff and the t-handles linked by Stoneshop would be your best bet. Make sure the bit you use fits perfectly before applying any torque - again, these tiny screws don't take much to strip the heads. As suggested, apply some penetrating oil before trying to unscrew.
You've probably already tried this, but you may be able to get a manual or other information for the device online that helps with the disassembly process, particularly where all the hidden screws are and what has to be undone to take it apart and what doesn't.
posted by dg at 6:01 PM on March 12, 2023
You've probably already tried this, but you may be able to get a manual or other information for the device online that helps with the disassembly process, particularly where all the hidden screws are and what has to be undone to take it apart and what doesn't.
posted by dg at 6:01 PM on March 12, 2023
Response by poster: Thanks everyone. Good to know about the problems with electric drivers. I had no idea. I will definitely look into ratcheting handles and T handles for my future screwdriver needs.
Update: A friend of mine came over with his thinner screwdriver and got the screws started for me, so I was able to unscrew it. I was still only able to get one panel off - I've watched multiple videos showing how to disassemble these, and none are quite like mine. I have the original manual, but it doesn't cover how to take it apart. However, running water into it, I was able to see that the part I have open seems to be the part where the air goes. I cleaned it with alcohol wipes and am waiting for it to thoroughly dry.
I appreciate everyone's answers. I've certainly learned some things.
posted by FencingGal at 6:46 AM on March 13, 2023
Update: A friend of mine came over with his thinner screwdriver and got the screws started for me, so I was able to unscrew it. I was still only able to get one panel off - I've watched multiple videos showing how to disassemble these, and none are quite like mine. I have the original manual, but it doesn't cover how to take it apart. However, running water into it, I was able to see that the part I have open seems to be the part where the air goes. I cleaned it with alcohol wipes and am waiting for it to thoroughly dry.
I appreciate everyone's answers. I've certainly learned some things.
posted by FencingGal at 6:46 AM on March 13, 2023
Since you're shopping, I would strongly recommend a reversible, ratcheting screwdriver, which stores its bit inside the handle.
I have one of these Wera drivers, which I keep in my office desk drawer, and I rarely go down to my workbench for a "good" screwdriver unless I am doing serious driving of a stuck screw:
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Kompakt-Ratcheting-Screwdriver/dp/B004VMWYCU/
posted by wenestvedt at 11:15 AM on March 13, 2023
I have one of these Wera drivers, which I keep in my office desk drawer, and I rarely go down to my workbench for a "good" screwdriver unless I am doing serious driving of a stuck screw:
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Kompakt-Ratcheting-Screwdriver/dp/B004VMWYCU/
posted by wenestvedt at 11:15 AM on March 13, 2023
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posted by FencingGal at 8:27 AM on March 11, 2023