Repairing Violin Cracks with External Cleats

When repairing a delicate violin crack, removing the top isn’t always necessary. I had a fairly nice violin with an open crack on the lower right of the top. Initially, I attempted to glue it, but the wood was too thin and flexible for the repair to hold. To reinforce the crack, I decided to use an external cleat method, practicing first on a similar violin before applying it to the better instrument.

Step-by-Step Repair Process

1. Open the Seam: Carefully open the seam slightly to create enough space to work inside the violin.
2. Mark the Cleat Position: Use a thin putty knife to locate the exact placement and angle of the cleat. Mark this position with a pencil.
3. Prepare the Cleat: Make a thin cleat and soak it in water to keep it flexible.
4. Attach the Cleat to the Putty Knife: Apply a small drop of CA glue to secure the cleat to the putty knife in the correct position.
5. Insert the Cleat: Carefully slide the putty knife into the violin, positioning the cleat at the proper depth and angle.
6. Use Magnets for Alignment: Place outside magnets on the violin to gently pull the putty knife and cleat toward the top, ensuring proper placement.
7. Secure with a Clamping Strip: Position a thin strip of wood along the back edge and clamp it down for additional stability.
8. Increase Pressure with Rubber Bands: Attach rubber bands to the end of the putty knife to increase controlled pressure on the cleat.
9. Let the Glue Dry: Allow the cleat to set for 24 hours to ensure a strong bond.
10. Remove the Putty Knife: Gently wiggle the putty knife off the cleat, being careful not to disturb the repair.
11. Glue the Seam: Finally, apply glue to close the seam, restoring the violin’s structural integrity.

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With the cleat in place, the top gained enough stability for the crack to hold securely. I then sealed it with a layer of clear varnish for added protection. Additionally, I repaired another crack on the left side of the saddle before completing the final cleaning and polishing of the instrument.