How to Get a Silk Swab Stuck in Your Oboe Out: A Guide for North London Players

A stuck silk swab is one of the most common oboe problems — and one of the easiest to make worse if you try to fix it yourself. At Woodwind London, we see this issue regularly, especially with student oboes and older instruments where the bore narrows suddenly. A swab that becomes caught can block airflow, make the oboe unplayable and, in the worst cases, lead to cracks or internal damage if forced out.

So what should you do if your silk swab gets stuck?

1. Don’t try to pull it out forcefully

Pulling hard on the string is the quickest way to lodge the swab deeper, especially if it has bunched up at the top joint. It can also stretch or snap the cord, making removal more difficult.

2. Don’t push anything down the bore

Using pencils, screwdrivers, rods or makeshift tools is extremely risky. The bore of an oboe is delicate and can be scratched or distorted easily, affecting tuning and response. Even swab extractors can cause damage if used incorrectly.

3. Keep the oboe assembled

Taking the oboe apart while the swab is stuck can shift pressure points and make the blockage tighter. Keeping the joints together helps maintain the correct internal alignment until a technician can remove the obstruction safely.

4. Bring it to a professional repairer

At Woodwind London in Muswell Hill, we remove stuck swabs quickly, safely and without damaging the bore. Our technicians use specialist tools designed specifically for oboe extraction, ensuring the pads, tenons and internal bore stay protected throughout the process.

5. Prevent it happening again

Use microfibre pull-throughs rather than silk models with bulky knots. Make sure the swab is fully extended before pulling it through, and avoid cleaning when you’re in a rush or the bore is damp.

If you’re in North London and need a stuck swab removed, we offer same-day assistance and student-friendly pricing.