How to Replace Saxophone PadsRemove Saxophone Keys ![]() Step 2
Remove Saxophone Pads and Measure Tools Needed for Pad Removal * Heat Source (micro torch) * Small Screwdriver or pad Prick * Cotton Balls and Swabs * Goggles * Fire Safety Equipment Once a key is removed, the pads can be removed from the key cup and measured. Apply heat to the pad and gently remove the pad from the pad cup with a pad prick or small screwdriver. Remove all of the old adhesive with cotton balls and swabs. You may need to apply additional heat to soften the adhesive. Be extremely careful to avoid burning yourself. It is also nice to have a cookie sheet available to place hot keys on for cooling. Measure the original pad with digital calipers or a ruler. Measure the diameter of the pad and the thickness. You need the new pad to be as close to the original pad as possible. The pad should be “snug” in the cup, but you shouldn’t need to force it in. You can usually compensate for pads that are too thin by adding more adhesive to the key cup. If the pads are too thick, it is best to order thinner pads. ![]() Step 3
Install New Pads In Key Cups Tools Need for Installing New Pads * Pad adhesive, or shellac * Heat source * Pad leveling tool (optional) * Key Height Gauge (optional) * Heat Source * Fire safety Equipment After thoroughly cleaning the pad cups, apply pad adhesive or shellac to the pad cup and let dry over night. Shellac requires heat and is ready as soon as it has cooled. Re-install the keys on the saxophone and make the initial adjustments to the pad by applying heat to the pad cup and closing the key with very light pressure. Once the key has cooled, check for leaks using a feeler gauge or saxophone leak light. If there are any leaks, you must make adjustments to the pad. Heat the pad cup again and maneuver the pad in the appropriate spots. Check for leaks again. If you are consistently unable to fix a leak, look for a bent key. If the pad meets the tone hole near the key arm, but not anywhere else, you may need a thinner pad. A note on heating pad cups: be careful not to overheat the cup. This can damage the pad. You only need enough heat to soften the shellac. Step 4 Check for Leaks Tools Needed For Leak Check For Saxophone Pad Leaks:
Re-install the keys on the saxophone and make the initial adjustments to the pad by applying heat to the pad cup and closing the key with very light pressure. Once the key has cooled, check for leaks using a feeler gauge or saxophone leak light. If there are any leaks, you must make adjustments to the pad. Heat the pad cup again and maneuver the pad in the appropriate spots. Check for leaks again. If you are consistently unable to fix a leak, look for a bent key. If the pad meets the tone hole near the key arm, but not anywhere else, you may need a thinner pad. A note on heating pad cups: be careful not to overheat the cup. This can damage the pad. You only need enough heat to soften the shellac. Step 5 Clamp or Wedge Keys Tools Needed: Key Clamps or Wedges Force
shut any keys that are normally open with key clamps or wooden wedges.
The idea is to get a “ring” to form on the new saxophone pad where the
pad meets the tone hole. Leave the keys shut for at least 24 hours
after sax pad replacement. Then look at each pad and make sure the ring
is uniform all the way around. A small dental mirror can help inspect
some pads after saxophone pad replacement. If the “ring” is not
uniform, you will need to make adjustments to the pad again. Clamp or
wedge open keys again and leave them clamped for as long as possible
after replacing sax pads. Step 6 Play Test Play test the saxophone. It should not require any “extra force” on keys to get them to seal after saxophone pad replacement. If the saxophone is hard to play after replacing saxophone pads, but you have confirmed there are “rings” on all of the pads, you likely have a leak caused by a “timing” issue or bent key. Determining where the problem is will take time and patience. Use extreme caution when making adjustments to keys after sax pad replacement. Even a slightly bent key can cause a leak. |