How to Make a Harp Key

A harp key is needed to tune a harp.

The harp key is the object used to tune a harp. Although it is possible to use other tools to tune a harp, it is not advisable, as it tends to damage the tuning pegs. If you lose your harp key, making a new one is fairly simple.

Things You'll Need

• Large dowel rod
• Square or star socket wrench to match the size of your tuning pegs
• Sandpaper or a sander
• Drill
• Glue

Instructions

Find the Correct Socket Size

1. Remove one string from your harp.

2. Pull the tuning peg out of the neck of the harp.

3. Take the tuning peg to a hardware store. As an alternative to the first two steps, you can bring the harp with you to the hardware store.

4. Find a long shank socket, usually a socket adapter or a star socket, that fits your tuning peg. Purchase the socket.

Make the Harp Key

1. Measure 4 inches on a piece of dowel rod 1 inch thick or wider.

2. Cut the dowel rod. Sand the edges smooth.

3. Drill a hole partway into the dowel rod. The hole should be the same size as the shank of the socket. Some people like having a T-shaped harp key, where the hole is in the middle of the dowel rod. Some prefer a lever-style harp key, where the hole is at one end of the dowel rod.

4. Slather the top edge (the edge that doesn't have the socket hole at the bottom) with glue.

5. Push the socket end into the hole. Allow the glue to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can finish and lacquer your harp key once the glue has dried.

• Some clock winding keys and zither keys may fit the smaller sized tuning pegs on some harps.

• Using a pliers to tune your harp will strip your tuning pegs.