Maintenance Kit

What is the purpose of key oil for a clarinet?

I got this maintenance kit for my clarinet, and it came with key oil. What is the purpose, and how do you put it on? Also, how do you make the keys shiny again? Some of the keys aren't that shiny and I want to make them shiny. Thanks to everyone who answers!

The key oil is to make the key action better.

You shouldn't have to use this often, and if you do, then you should take your clarinet in for maintenance- it means there is something grinding that shouldn't be.

If a key is moving slow or takes more pressure than usual, you can use a jeweler's screwdriver and TOOTHLESS pliers to pull out the pin, put ONE drop of oil on it, and put it back in. Don't ever force a screw or a pin- if it gets stuck, pull it out and try again.

Also, you can use valve oil (like for a trumpet, trombone, etc)... but I prefer sewing maching oil- it's got a higher viscosity and lasts longer. Also, sewing machine oil doesn't become sticky over time- key and valve oil will.

Usually, your keys are oiled during general maintenance by a tech whenever you take your clarinet to be repadded, cleaned, or keys adjusted. If you aren't comfortable doing your own maintenance, take it to a shop. Try to get a "check-up" about once every year- like a car, it's actually cheaper to have annual maintenance than to wait for something to go wrong.

Anyways, hope this helped!

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