What is the best way to unstick a trombone tuning slide?

Question

I recently picked up a used Bundy student model trombone. It is a simple slide trombone, but the tuning slide is stuck. I was wondering if there were any effective/safe ways to unstick the tuning slide without having to take it in to a shop for repair.

Answer 1

Spencer's idea is valid but get penetrating oil from dad's toolbox or the local hardware store. You'll have to clean well when you're done.

Your local repair shop has a tool for this purpose and if that tool works easily they may not even charge you to get it out as it would only take a couple seconds.

Trying to get it out yourself could cause damage to soldered joints or braces and just isn't worth the risk. If the letting penetrating oil work overnight idea doesn't work - it's shop time.

If it's seriously stuck in there - as would be with corrosion - the repair tech will desolder the joints and remove them, then he will knock the tubes that are stuck out using a mandrel and a hammer. Then he will strip the contacting surfaces, polish them up, and resolder all of those joints back together. Not your typical quick home repair.

Answer 2

Tuning Slide Trombone

Answer 3

My husband, a trombonist, says to use KY Lubricant or slide oil. And using force giggle the tuning slide. It may take a while to do. If unsuccessful the tuning bar may either be warped or dented to severely. Also if unsuccessful contact local instrument dealer to find a repair person or options for replacement tuning bar. He has used a repair person for dents so they do exist. So you may have to do some hunting for them.

Answer 4

Maybe you could try applying some heat to it so that the outer metal will expand a little. Give it a warm/hot bath?

Once it's off, clean it properly - it might be dust clogging it up.

Answer 5

Apply lots and lots of slide oil. Let it penetrate for awhile, then try again.