How to Loosen a Tight Tuning Slide

Guest Author: Marcus Hissen

Is your tuning slide too tight? Do you have to apply Vise-Grips whenever you want to tune your horn? Here is one method of loosening it up.

My tuning slides were so badly stuck that I could barely move them, so one day I went to the drug store and purchased a can of Brasso metal polish.

Most brass players know that polishing an instrument with Brasso is not a good idea, because it strips the lacquer off and ruins the finish. Even aging instruments with worn off lacquer, or instruments that have had the lacquer stripped off for sound production purposes, should use it sparingly, because each time you polish a tiny layer of metal is removed from the horn.

Fortunately, you can use this property to your advantage. Find a soft cloth or rag (an old cotton T-shirt does the job nicely), and apply some polish to the unlacquered part of your tuning slides. Rub vigorously until most of the corrosion comes off. Follow the instructions on the can to give a final polish with a clean, dry part of the rag. Apply some tuning slide grease to the slides. They should be much easier to move now!

A Word of Caution

Brasso is a noxious substance that exudes toxic-smelling odors, and it is harmful or fatal if swallowed. It is wise to wear safety glasses, gloves, and use it in a well-ventilated area. Read the can for first aid treatment information.

Brasso should only be applied to unlacquered surfaces. Be careful not to get any on the lacquered, shiny parts of your instrument.

Wash your hands thoroughly after polishing with Brasso.

Don't polish too vigorously, as it is possible to take too much metal off. If this happens, you may need to use a thicker slide grease (e.g. lanolin) to prevent unwanted movement of your slide.

Related Websites

Brasso Material Safety Data Sheet (html)

Brasso Material Safety Data Sheet (pdf)

Marcus Hissen is a member of the trombone section of the Victoria Symphony. He works hard to realize his delusions of some day playing in the Berlin Philharmonic, and so enjoys torturing friends with endless recordings of German Romantic music.