replacing Hohner Special 20 reed plates
I'm tired of suffering and need outside help! When I replace a reed plate, it is VERY difficult to start the screws in the new reed plate. I've tried soap, but it doesn't help much. When I look at how-to videos, no one seems to mention this and no one seems to have a problem screwing the hardware down tight. I'm tired of stripping screw heads, what do others do?
I had assumed that the correct screwdriver came with the Hering tool kit that I've been using, but your comment made me look check, and a Phillips is what's in the kit. I guess there's no standard. I also have Lee Oskar and Seydels. Do I need to buy special screwdrivers for them too? Is Hohner unique in using the Pozi type screw?
As for the reed plate being threaded, that's also essential to know.
You've revolutionaized my harpsmithing. Thanks!
If you are talking reed plate replacements for Lee Oskar harmonicas, I would recommend the little Phillips screwdrivers that come with the LO tool kit.
The new LO reed plates come with new "self tapping" type stainless steel screws, and your're right--these require more effort to install. These screws are designed to "cut" the threads into the draw reed plate.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
The Seydel harps use a 1 PoziDrive screwdriver for the reedplates. You may be able to use the 1 Pozi on the cover plate bolts but I've done hundreds of custom Seydels and I've found the 0 Pozi works the best on the cover plate screws.
Cool stuff from master builder Jon Harl.
Thanx Jon!
Kinya
i understand new sp20 reedplates are tapped for 1.6mm screws, as used in the Rocket, Crossover and Deluxe. The old Sp20 plates took 2mm screws. if you are reusing the screws from an old sp20 in new reedplates, they won't fit.
Thanx Dave!
Hello HarpKat,
Q: "Is it the tool, or the mechanic"?
A: Maybe alittle bit of both.
The head of the screws (bolts) may look like a classic (cross) type of "Phillips", but upon further examination you'll discover the grooves of the slot are different. Hohner uses metric Pozi drive type screws (bolts), which are designed to work best with the Wiha Pozidrive #26210 / 1x60mm screwdriver (I found one today on Amazon.com for $6.97)
The Wiha 26010 screwdriver is designed to nest tightly into in the head of the PZ screw, enabling the user to properly align the tool before tightening or loosening the screws into the reed plate.
One more thing ... all Hohner SP20 draw reed plates are already threaded. This means you should be able to easily start each screw without effort ... you may have to wiggle the reed plates from side to side alittle to help the screws find the threads ... wait to tighten the screws until all the reed plate screws are all in place -- then apply torque evenly with each screw.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya