Ask a Luthier - How to Remove a Stuck End Button

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[@skyclintliquit7814]

My endpin is broken. How can I remove it?

[@thomassturdivant6062]

I had an end pin break off. I removed it by inserting a blunted bamboo skewer through an F-hole after getting the lighting through the other F-hole so I could see the end pin from the inside. Popped the end of the skewer with a wooden handle and the end pin came right out.

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching!

[@maryh6074]

BTW lovely background music, but turn it down so your voice is not battling with the volume of it. Need to hear these great instructions please!

[@Fiddlershop]

Noted!

[@diogorodrigues8807]

Hello. Please, I've a question.
I'm not 100% sure, but seems like my stuck violin endpin was actually glued in place a long time ago. Can I do the same process (with the tool you’ve mentioned) to remove it safely? I'm very concerned of snapping it off, or damaging the surrounding wood...
Thanks in advance.

[@chandanpiku]

Beautiful

[@lespaul5015]

Hey , I play the bass. My end pin stuck and I need to know how to get it out. If you could somehow tell me what I can do, than that would be great.
Thanks. :)

[@mrmensje1]

he just showed you 1:42

[@carstenpfundt]

For a bass, I would bring it to a luthier

[@michaelkowalski8507]

My end pin snapped, therefor that tool would not work. Plan is to drill a small hole in the "pin" only to fit an easy out for extraction. I feel comfortable. Is this advisable? I am assuming it is NOT glued in there as is should not be.

[@Fiddlershop]

That is interesting... we have never thought of doing that. Is it boxwood or Ebony? It would be more advisable with Ebony because the wood is stronger, because there's always a risk that it will break when pulling out.

[@wilangelamikaelameenamarie7357]

this is very helpful, but I have another question. how do you remove the rosin that is already stuck on the violin? :/

[@Fiddlershop]

With a clean and dry cloth, with an instrument cleaner or polish; fiddlershop.com/accessories/Violin-840144418/polishes-and-cleaners?sort=p.viewed&order=DESC

[@maryh6074]

Is the end button supposed to be glued to the violin? When changing strings and cleaning the end button just fell out. I suppose the tension is what held it in. What is correct?

[@Fiddlershop]

No, it shouldn't be glued in. End buttons falling out are pretty common. It'd be nice if it was a better fit than that, but when there is tension from the end gut and strings holding it in place, it's ok.

[@misseruvi6993]

hello! i have a question regarding how to remove the button when its halfway broken. my violin is very old, and one day while tensing it just popped out, so theres no end to pull it out from! my dad suggests using strong glue, but i fear its not enough. any recommendations?
have a good day!
ps: he also suggested to drill a tini hole once it's glued toguether, and put a wooden toothpick in it.

[@michaelkowalski8507]

With my experience with glue in these situations, they are mostly unsuccessful (maybe some JB weld - strong stuff). I just posted my thought above about a small drill hole and an easy out. Hoping I get a response soon, because I will be attempting this tomorrow as I have a new end pin coming via Prime.

[@Trailryder42]

So, you held the violin by the neck when you put that twisting force on the pin and body..........

[@Fiddlershop]

We know it's not the best angle to see what's actually going on, but the force is mostly being applied downward on the violin as you pull the endpin up. Your other hand can just hold the violin in place, and you should avoid twisting against the neck, because that is a vulnerable part of the instrument.

[@Trailryder42]

@@Fiddlershop Whew.....That's what I was concerned about, that you were holding the violin by the neck to control any induced twisting forces.

[@alexgromov659]

I'm living in Ukrain and I think that nobody did hear about that thing, so there is no tool in any markets and shops in any closer country around, so I go for make it my self or order it to artificer or locksmith

[@iansutherland4327]

Interesting, but the harpsichord music in the background is actually in the foreground. This is necessary and distracting to the point of annoyance. You have much to say- so say it. Why do you need that?

[@Fiddlershop]

Thanks for watching! Not sure why it was used at that time, but it was

[@cesaralexisvalenciamontano7861]

Sorry, can i do this for my guitar?😥

[@Fiddlershop]

That we do not know :(

[@kanatsizkanatli]

Background music is very distracting

[@Fiddlershop]

We know, sorry.....

[@ThePabloreeves]

Can i do this for a guitar too?

[@Fiddlershop]

Unfortunately we're not experts in the guitar field :(

[@sydneytuft6949]

How do I put an end pin back in?