Removing a Dent in a French Horn

Remove dents in a French horn with the right tools.

Professionals use two main methods of removing dents in horns. The first method involves the use of magnetic ball bearings to remove dents deep within the instrument that are small. The other method involves the use of specially designed hammers to remove large dents, usually on the bell of the instrument. Hammers are preferred for dents that appear on large easily accessible portions of the instrument such as the horn bell. To remove dents from the harder to reach internal tubing, magnetic ball bearings are typically the first method attempted.

Hammers

Select a hammer that is approximately the same size as the dent. This is important to ensure a consistent change in the shape of the metal of the French horn.

Apply a sheet of Teflon to the hammer head to avoid causing damage or removing lacquer from the French horn.

Use your right hand to hold the hammer and your left hand to hold the French horn firmly against a clean cloth. Apply a gentle amount of force in a tapping motion of about one tap every two seconds to slowly form the dent back to the original shape, moving from the outside of the dent inward. French horns have large bells, and this is where most dents occur. Support the bell carefully to avoid bending the tubing. Having another person hold the horn while you hammer is the ideal situation.

Polish the French horn using a brass or silver polishing cloth, depending on the material of the French horn. Polish until the instrument is clean and shines. Rub in a circular motion to clean the French horn evenly.

Ball-bearings

Select a magnetic ball bearing that fits easily inside the French horn tubing with the dent. Make sure there is room for the ball-bearing to move around. The ball-bearing should be approximately three-quarters the size of the tubing.

Drop the ball-bearing into a tube and rotate the horn until the ball-bearing is in close proximity to the dent.

Place a thin sheet of cloth on the outside of the horn covering the dent to prevent damage to the instrument finish. Roll the ball-bearing by moving the magnet over the dent several times. Move very slowly, allowing the ball-bearing to depress against the dent through its attraction to the magnet.

Tips

Take your instrument to a professional if the dent is in an impossible to reach area. It will require the repair shop to disassemble the instrument for repair.