Trombone Slide Repair: How to Fix a Flattened Slide

A flattened trombone slide is a common problem that can make it difficult to play your instrument. The slide can become flattened over time due to use, mishandling, or even just the weight of the instrument itself. Fortunately, you can often fix a flattened trombone slide at home with a few simple tools and a little patience.

What You’ll Need

• Trombone slide
• Cleaning cloth
• Mild soap
• Water
• Mallet (rubber or wooden)
• Burnishers
• Draw plate

Steps

1. Clean the slide

   Before you start repairing the slide, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. This will remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the repair process. Use a cleaning cloth and mild soap to wipe down the inside and outside of the slide. Rinse the slide with water and dry it completely.

2. Identify the flattened area

   Once the slide is clean, you can identify the flattened area. Look for any areas where the slide is no longer perfectly round. You may be able to feel the flattened area with your fingers.

3. Reshape the slide

   To reshape the slide, you’ll need a mallet and burnishers. A mallet is a small hammer with a rubber or wooden head. Burnishers are tools that are used to smooth and polish metal. Start by gently tapping the flattened area of the slide with the mallet. This will help to even out the surface. Then, use the burnishers to smooth out any rough edges.

4. Use a draw plate

   If the slide is still slightly flattened, you can use a draw plate to shrink the end of the slide. A draw plate is a tool that has a series of holes of varying sizes. To use a draw plate, simply insert the end of the slide into the hole that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the slide. Then, gently pull the slide through the hole. This will shrink the end of the slide and make it more round.

Tips

• Be patient and don’t rush the repair process.
• Use gentle force when tapping the slide with the mallet.
• If you’re not comfortable using a draw plate, you can take the slide to a professional repair shop.

Conclusion

Repairing a flattened trombone slide is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. By following these steps, you can restore your slide to its original shape and ensure that your trombone plays smoothly and correctly.