The Flute Ferret

Product Information

Designed and made by Stephen Wessel of Wessel Flutes, the Flute Ferret is a Leak detector specifically designed for use on Flutes. It is easy to use and will tell you if, and how much, a pad leaks in seconds.

On delivery of your tool, please read the easy to follow instructions thoroughly and assemble as described. You will partially fill the tubes with water and a few drops of rinse aid. You can also add a tiny bit of food colouring or ink to colour the liquid. 

What is the Flute Ferret?

The Flute Ferret consists of a water level Indicator made from of two glass tubes tubes secured in a holder. The Indicator stands on three sturdy steel legs and has two thin silicone tubes: one with a red mouthpiece tube at the end, and one that is connected to the probe which goes into the flute. The probe itself is a steel rod with a plastic head which has a hole where the air pressure is measured from and two rings of rubber on either side. At the other end of the probe there's a knurled nut. 

Instructions for Use

First wipe through the inside of the flute body to ensure it is clean and dry. Then insert the probe with the white band, where the hole is located, underneath the pad that you want to check. You tighten the knurled nut which squeezes the soft rubber components to seal off the tube on either side of the tonehole.

Then you simply put the mouthpiece tube in your mouth and suck gently while watching the water in the Indicator. The suction will move the liquid up the tube. Once you've move it 3-5 inches, you close the flute key using normal finger pressure and release the suction. If the pad seal is 100% air-tight the water levels will remain stationary. If on the other hand the levels quickly return to zero (equal) there is a large leak. The rate at which the levels change is a measure of the size of the leak. 

The tool comes with thorough and clear instructions, and even has some practice tests to do and further info on how to determine the type of leak.

The tool can not only be used for repair, but can also be useful when diagnosing the flute as you can quickly go down the flute, checking each pad. The sensitivity of the Flute Ferret is excellent, and you get a accurate reading every time. An excellent tool for any Flute technician, and a great alternative leak detection tool. 

• Quick and easy to use
• Needs no power supply
• Comes with easy to follow instructions
• You can also add the Piccolo Probe or Alto Flute Probe (BOTH SOLD SEPARATELY)

Please Note - This item requires filling with liquid and some assembly by the user. We ship the unit empty to avoid issues in transit.