Permanently Fix a Manhasset Music Stand

Most band and orchestra teachers have to constantly adjust those old Manhasset music stands. They wobble at the base and fail to hold music up. This instructable will permanently remedy this problem.

Answer: Cheap parts, misuse, overuse, and poor fastening.

More specifically...

The bolt that connects the base of the music stand to the shaft, has too much lubricant on the threading. Although it initially allows for easy assembly, it also allows the bolt to back out of the shaft.
[see picture #1]

The pivot section of the music stand (in back of the music stand's face) relies on inferior washers, which slowly deform from regular use. The deformity of these washers causes a lack of tension, which then causes the face of the music stand to sag (this is why your music keeps falling down). Also, the inside of the nut may not have a nylon component, which allows the nut to back out at times.
[see pictures #2 and 3]

The connection between the shaft and pivot will sometimes slip out. Overtightening can deform the apparatus, so I will suggest using epoxy and a nylon nut instead.
[see picture #4]

Students are to blame for most of the wear and tear. They stand on top of the music stand base, wiggle it around, constantly adjust the face, etc. Students will have a difficult time destroying your music stands after this instructable.

Listed from left to right and top to bottom (see pic):

1. WD-40
2. Toothbrush
3. 5-minute Epoxy
4. Flathead Screwdriver

5. Two - 5/16" Zinc Cut Washers (5/16" inside diameter; 7/8" outside diameter)
6. Two - 9/16" Zinc Cut Washers (9/16" inside diameter; 1-3/8" outside diameter)
7. One - 1/4" Nylon Lock Nut (Coarse)
8. One - 5/16" Nylon Lock Nut (Coarse)

9. Cloth
10. 1/2" Standard Wrench
11. Socket Wrench
12. 17mm socket
13. 1/2" socket
14. 7/16" socket

Materials (pic #3)

1. Shaft of Music Stand
---a. Shaft
---b. End-Cap
---c. Tapered Washer
---d. Bolt
2. Cleaning Cloth
3. WD-40
4. Toothbrush

Procedure

1. Disassemble the shaft and wipe off any grease (pic #2)
2. Spray WD-40 on the Bolt, scrub with toothbrush, and wipe thoroughly with the Cloth (pic #3)

Materials [see pic #2]

1. Shaft of Music Stand
---a. Shaft
---b. End-Cap
---c. Tapered Washer
---d. Bolt
2. Base of Music Stand
3. Socket Wrench
4. 17mm socket
5. 5-min Epoxy
6. Epoxy Applicator (or a stick, q-tip, toothpick, etc)

Procedure

1. Mix about one-teaspoon of epoxy (according to directions on container).
2. Using the applicator, apply a liberal amount of epoxy to the threaded side of the shaft (pic #3).
3. Immediately attach the End-Cap.
4. Immediately secure the Base of the music stand using the Tapered Washer and Bolt (pic #1).
5. Use the 17mm socket and wrench to tighten (pic #1).

Note: Use some strength to ensure that the bolt will stay tight. However, too much strength will crack the End-Cap and strip some of the threads. Good luck.

Materials

1. Face and Pivot Section of Music Stand
2. Two - 5/16" Zinc Cut Washers (5/16" inside diameter; 7/8" outside diameter)
3. Two - 9/16" Zinc Cut Washers (9/16" inside diameter; 1-3/8" outside diameter)
4. One - 5/16" Nylon Lock Nut (Coarse)
5. 1/2" Standard Wrench
6. Socket Wrench
7. 1/2" socket

Procedure

1. Using the standard and socket wrench, remove the nut, bolt, and washers from the pivot section (pics #1 and 2).
2. Throw away the stock washers and nut (pic #3).
3. Replace with the two - 5/16" washers, the two - 9/16" washers, and the 5/16" Nylon Lock Nut (pic #4).
4. Note: Be careful not to remove the pivot section, as there are two gaskets that may come out (pic #8).
5. Assemble the nut, washers, and bolt in the order that appears in picture #4.
6. The washers will be off-center (pic #5), so only tighten enough so that you can adjust (pic #6).
7. Make sure the other side is centered, and tighten using the wrenches (pic #7).
8. Once the entire assembly is complete, adjust the pivot tension to your preference.

Materials (pic #4)

1. Both completed assemblies (shaft and pivot)
2. Epoxy
3. Epoxy Applicator
4. Stock Bolt
5. 1/4" Nylon Lock Nut
6. Flathead Screwdriver
7. 7/16" Socket
8. Socket Wrench

Procedure

1. Using the screwdriver and socket wrench, remove the nut and bolt from the area that connects the shaft to the pivot (pic #1).
2. Throw away the stock nut, and replace with the 1/4" Nylon Lock Nut (pics #5 and 6).
3. Set nut and bolt aside.
4. Use the handle end of the socket wrench to gently pry and wiggle the opening where the shaft meets the pivot (pic #7).
5. Gently twist the shaft into the pivot to see if it will fit. If so, remove it and set aside (pic #3).
6. Mix about one-teaspoon of epoxy and apply liberally to the inside of the pivot section that connects to the shaft (pic #8).
7. Immediately twist the shaft into the pivot section (pic #3).
8. Using the screwdriver and socket wrench, firmly attach the nut and bolt (pic #2).

As a music teacher, this project has saved me countless hours. I honestly haven't had to tighten a music stand in two years. Also, I'm sure that I overexplained this instructable, but I would rather there be no doubt.