12-step installation guide
You can download a printable version of the Peg Installation Instructions here.
If you have any questions please contact us at pegs@twofold.com.au
Before you install
We recommend that the installation and removal of Perfection pegs should be carried out by an experienced luthier.
An incorrect installation may –
- require rebushing or repair of the peg hole
- cause the pegs to malfunction
- void the warranty on the pegs
Peg characteristics
- Perfection pegs have a fine tapered thread at the end of the shank that secures the peg in the peg hole.
- For all Perfection peg models, there are two types of peg, those for the Bass-side, and those for the Treble-side.
- Bass-side pegs have a right-hand thread on the shank and are screwed in clockwise. The untrimmed peg has a “B” marked at the end of the shaft.
- Treble-side pegs have a left-hand thread and are screwed in anticlockwise. They are marked with a “T”.
- For all instruments, the direction used to screw the peg into the peg box should be the same direction that will be used to tune a string flat.
Choosing the right size peg
- Read the table of Peg Sizes
- Measure the diameter of all the pegs on the instrument.
- For each peg measure at the point where the peg enters the peg box.
- If the pegs have different diameters we will use the measurement for the largest peg.
- Select a Perfection peg with a diameter that is just larger than the largest peg.
- Perfection violin pegs come in sizes with diameters of 7.8, 8.5 or 9.0mm
- Cello pegs have diameters of 12.0, 13.0, 14.0 or 15.0mm
Tools & materials required
- Peg reamer – standard profile (violin 1:30, cello 1:25)
- Wax pencil or marking pen
- Saw – fine tooth
- File – fine-tooth, or belt sander
- Sandpaper – fine (P220 grade/600 grit)
- Leather patch
- Cotton buds
- Water
- Polyurethane glue (eg. Selleys Durabond, Gorilla Glue)
- Perfection Pegs
Steps 1 & 2 – Reaming the peg hole
1. Preparation & reaming
Violin, Viola, Cello – instruments with a two-sided peg box
Prepare the instrument by removing the old strings and pegs. Select which Perfection peg will be used in which peg hole and identify the head of each peg with a wax pencil mark.
Use a standard peg reamer to lightly ream the peg holes. Take care, remember that the final turn of the reamer can make the difference between a fit that is too tight, or too loose.
Guitars & Ukulele – instruments with a single-piece headstock
Installation of the peg model P1UK for guitar and ukulele generally follows these same instructions, excepting that the P1UK does not require trimming and is designed to fit a single-piece headstock.
2. Test the fit as you go
Test the fit of the peg in the hole as the reaming proceeds. Ream sufficient to allow the pegs to self-thread firmly.
* Peg box width is a variable, different for every instrument; the depth of insertion of the threaded portion of the peg can be varied (by about a millimetre) to ensure the pegs are suitably aligned.
Steps 3 to 8 – Cutting the peg to length
3. Initial fit
Select the correct peg for the peg hole on which you are working.
Screw the peg into the peg hole until no thread is visible.
4. Mark the peg length
Mark the peg where it protrudes from the peg box.
Remove the peg from the peg box.
Keep track of which peg is being prepared for which peg hole.
5. Cut the peg to length + 2mm
Trim the peg to length with a saw. Cut the peg end proud of the mark by 2mm to allow for shaping the peg end.
6. File the peg end
Round off and shape the peg end with a file or belt sander.
7. Sand the end
Smooth-finish the peg end with very fine sandpaper.
8. Shine the end
Shine the peg end using the leather patch.
Steps 9 to 12 – Final Installation
9. Moisten the peg hole
Dip a cotton bud (Q-tip) in water. Lightly moisten the exposed wood of the peg hole on the head side (the moisture assists in curing the urethane glue).
10. Glue the thread
Apply a small amount of polyurethane glue (such as Selleys Urethane Bond) to the thread. Use only enough to fill the thread.
Urethane is the only type of glue we recommend. Use of other types of glue will void the warranty –
- Urethane glue has several properties that suit this application –
- It provides a strong bond between wood and aluminium,
- Expands on curing,
- Will soften with heat to enable the removal of a peg.
11. Screw in the peg
Screw the peg in until the threads are flush with the peg box*.
The direction of rotation when installing the pegs is the same direction used when loosening the strings.
The fit should be close enough for the final turns to be firm, but not too tight.
- The urethane glue will expand on curing and fill any small gaps.
- You can wind a rubber band around the shank to act as a grip so that sufficient torque can be applied to the pegs when screwing them into the peg box.
* Peg box width is a variable, different for every instrument; the depth of insertion of the threaded portion of the peg can be varied (by a millimetre or so) to ensure the pegs are suitably aligned.
12. Clean up & let dry
- Wipe off any excess while the glue is wet.
- Allow the glue to cure.
- Bed in the action of each peg by exerting a gentle inwards pressure and turning it back and forth a few times.
- Install the strings.
No maintenance required – ever
Perfection pegs require no maintenance throughout the life of the peg. The internal gear mechanism is packed with a high viscosity grease at manufacture and then permanently sealed.
DO NOT LUBRICATE your Perfection pegs as this will damage the mechanism. Lubricating a peg will void the Warranty.
Peg removal
Perfection pegs can be removed from an instrument –
- Apply a small amount of heat to the aluminium shank of the peg, just below the head.
- Use a soldering iron or a flame (applied for about 5 seconds).
- The heat will conduct to the glued joint and soften the urethane glue.
- The peg can then be unscrewed.
- A pair of soft-jawed pliers can be used to assist in the removal.