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Installing reed with screw

3 replies [Last post]
Sat, 08/24/2024 - 22:51
Elsa P.
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Hello Harpsmith!I'd like to replace my 2 draw reed on my SP20 and i need your help. I want to try with your method 9D - Installing reed with screw.

Question #1: What's the lenght of the M 1.4 screws?

Question # 2: For the reed plate's hole do you use tap drill #55 and a 0-80 tap? I don't really understand the difference between tap drill and 0-80 tap.

Question #3: For the reed pad's hole do you use a reamer and/or a clearance drill #55? 

Thank you!

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Mon, 08/26/2024 - 12:22
#1
Harp Tech Kinya...
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Replacing Reed Rivet with M1.4 Screw

Hello Elsa, here are the steps for replacing the original reed rivets with new M1.4 screws:

*the length of the M1.4 screw = .063" long (1.6mm)

  1. REED PLATE: using a #56 (.0465") drill bit, drill into the hole left behind by the removed RIVET. The new hole is known as a "Pilot Hole" and/or Tap Drill Hole
  2. next use a M1.4 TAP to cut threads into the Pilot Hole
  3. NEW REED: increase the hole size of the reed pad with a #54 (.0550") drill bit. An alternative would be to use a REAMING TOOL

The keys to making this a successful operation:

  • Drill and Tap STRAIGHT. This means the shaft of the tool bits will be a perfect 90 degree to the reed plate surface
  • Clear metal shavings and burrs from all holes. This includes the REED PAD mating surface. IT MUST BE PERFECTLY FLAT!

This is my favorite strategy for reed replacement. Keep us posted.

BTW, were you satsified with your repairs to your #10 reed?

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

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Tue, 08/27/2024 - 09:18
#2
Elsa P.
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Thank you Harpsmith!

Thank you Harpsmith for being so helpful! I'm going to search the material you mentioned..but..the M 1.4 screws are really tiny! I can' find M 1.4x 1.6mm. Could you tell me where do you find them?

As for the #10 draw reed i am not fully satisfied.. It still requires more breath pressure and a slight move of the harmonica (up &down as  i hold it) so i can hear the note nice and clear!..I have tried to straighten out the curvature at the free end but the reed is very small and it's hard to repair it. I'll take a closer look again on the weekend and i'll send you a photo at your email!Thanks for asking Harpsmith!

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Thu, 08/29/2024 - 09:14
#3
Harp Tech Kinya...
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M1.4 screws

Hi Elsa, these should work out for you:

https://www.megasmicros.com/product_p/screw-m1p4x1p5-mech.htm

If not, contact me at: kinya@harpsmith.com

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

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