tuning lever

[mikeymoon]

Does anyone know where I can get a tuning lever for my cimbalom. The tuning pegs have a square head. The size is just a bit more than 4.5mm across. Two of my friends have cimbaloms but their pegs are smaller. I got my cimbalom from the Ukraine.

[Nikita]

I dunno where about you live, but if there's a Piano maker and tuner in your area, he might be able to help you, at least give you an adress where to find one... or else, with the Dulcimer makers...
hope you find one, there's nothing as annoying as tools that don't fit !

[Dick Glasgow]

Mike, I've just posted your question over on the "Cimbalom World Association" Forum:

Cimbalom Tuning Lever - question

It might be worth your while becoming a member Mike, if you aren't already!

Cheers
Dick

[Dick Glasgow]

Mike, I also asked over on the ED Forum & got these replies, so far:

1

If nothing else, go to a hand tool supply place and buy a "tap wrench", which holds taps for hand cutting threads in holes. It usually has a T handle rather than an L handle shape.

Here in the US, I would ask for a "1/4 inch adjustable tap wrench", where 1/4" would be the largest opening. On your side of the Pond it might be a 6mm wrench... Here, it would cost me around $8 (much cheaper than most 'tuning wrenches).

I use one all the time when working with psaltery/lyre/autoharp/zither type steel tuning pegs, and they work just great.

Another option is to find a "clock winding key" of the appropriate size.

2

I like the big long goosenecks myself for general use but I cut off the end of a T wrench and ground a couple flats in the shaft. I stick that in my battery powerd drill to run in the tuning pins the first time. Saves a lot of time and hasle.

Once in a tight I actually uses one of those small cresent wrenches too.. Tough going but it worked!

3

Your friend might try a clock key: Here's a site that shows the different sizes that they come in. I use one for my plucked psaltery which has zither pin tuners. Harpmaker has put wooden handles on clock keys to make tuning wrenches.

Clockworks

I'm sure that there is a store over there that would handle similar items.

Cheers
Dick

[mikeymoon]

Thank you so much everyone for your help!
I'll let you know how I go

[gadulka]

If your pegs are the size of a Hungarian cimbalom or a Romanian tsambal... the tuning pegs are the same size as a drum tuning key, the kind used for tuning snare drums for school marching bands, available at any drum shop. There isn't a lot of torque in the small tuning keys, so try and get a big handled one. I am not sure that the Ukrainian pegs will be the right size, though - don't force it or use it if it is a bit too big, you don't want to strip the tuning pegs.