Harp Arm Repair

Basic Instructions:

-Be sure to read and understand all the instructions before starting. If you have any questions, please contact us to clarify the issue (321/724-1477). Don’t just charge into the project. Take your time, the results will be worth it.

-Safety first. Read and understand the safety and warning labels on any chemicals or tools you may use. Always wear eye protection. A filtered air mask should be worn when you sand or work with fumes. If you are concerned about splinters, please wear an appropriate type of glove to protect your hands.

-Keep your work area clear of debris. This process generates many small bits of wood, nails, and glue, any of which can damage your harp. Clean your work area frequently, and be careful of debris on the floor and underfoot.

-Assemble all your materials and equipment before starting. Get everything ready first to avoid costly mistakes. Walk yourself through the process once or twice, so that you know when you will need each item. Again, take your time.

Required Materials, And Their Use

One Harp Kit, Broken Arm
1/4inch Drill Bit and Electric Drill-Make sure your drill bit is longer than the hole you intend to bore.
¼ inch diameter Threaded Stainless Steel Rod, and 2 Nuts (Washers Optional)
2 Socket wrenches-For tightening nuts.
Wood Chisel- ¼ inch or ½ inch wide, To shape recess for bolts and nuts
Hammer- This can come in handy when inserting the steel rod
2 Part Epoxy- “2 ton” type of epoxy, with a minimum working time of 20 minutes.
Dremel Motor Tool, with Grinding Tip- For reducing the profile of the rod or nuts.
Amber (Orange) Shellac or Clear Shellac- amber will blend with the existing finish, but clear will work as well, apply with a brush, or use a spray can.
Wood Putty- To level recessed areas after repair is finished.

To Repair Broken Arm

-Remove tension from strings. Unstring if desired for extra working room.
-Make sure the break is free of debris and loose material that may prevent closure.
-Decide on best angle for bore hole, keeping it centered and making sure you leave space to recess the nuts on the ends of the rod.
*Note: Remember that the hardware of the harp does run through the harp arm. When choosing the drilling line, adjust so you won’t bore through tuning pins or screws.
-Bore hole using the ¼ inch drill bit, being sure to keep it straight and centered.
-Use the chisel to open the area around the holes, both top and bottom, to allow for your nuts to be recessed, and for your socket wrenches to fit around the nuts.
-Cut your stainless steel rod to the desired length, leaving an extra inch or two. The extra length can be ground down after the repair is finished.
-Place one nut on the end of the rod.
-Mix up plenty of the 2 part epoxy. Force the epoxy into the crack, and into the drill hole. Coat the rod with the epoxy as well.
-Slide the rod into the hole until it is snug. Screw nut onto second end.
-Use socket wrenches to tighten the nuts at the same time. As it tightens down, the crack should begin to compress and close.
*Note: If the crack does not close completely, that is okay. The epoxy will act as a filler.
-When you can not tighten the bolts anymore, Set aside the harp and let the epoxy dry.
- If needed, use a Dremel tool with a grinding head to shape down any part of the rod or nuts that may not be flush or recessed into the harp.
-Fill in the recesses with wood putty or similar filler to level off the holes. An option, if desired, is to hide the repaired areas using wood veneer.
-Refinishing should be done using shellac. Other finishes may not be compatible with the existing finish.

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