Repairing Damage to Guitars and Other String Instruments

How I use guitar tuning machines and custom wooden blocks to hold internal cleats firmly in place while the glue cures and stabilizes a crack.

## Repairing cracks in string instruments

When a guitar or another string instrument develops a crack, small wooden reinforcements known as cleats can be glued to the inside to stabilize the damaged area. The challenge is holding these cleats firmly against the wood while the glue cures, especially where ordinary clamps cannot reach.

To solve this problem, I made a simple custom tool from wooden blocks and tuning machines taken from a guitar. The tuning machines tighten a string or wire, pulling the internal cleats securely against the instrument's wood.

## 1. A repair tool made with guitar tuning machines

Here are the homemade wooden blocks with the guitar tuning machines installed. The contact surfaces are protected to help avoid damaging the instrument's finish. Turning the tuning machines allows me to adjust the tension in the string.

## 2. Holding the cleats in place while the glue cures

Here, two of the homemade tensioning devices are positioned on the instrument. Small wooden cleats have been glued to the inside beneath the cracked area. Tightening the strings with the tuning machines holds the cleats firmly against the wood until the glue cures, helping stabilize the crack.

## A practical solution for difficult repairs

Every crack is different. A purpose-built tool can be useful when access inside the instrument is limited. Protecting the finish and controlling the tension are essential to avoid placing unnecessary stress on the instrument.

In my workshop, I repair and maintain guitars and other string instruments. If your instrument has a crack or another problem, you are welcome to contact me through this website.

Michael Staun