Although not utilized as often as some of the other equipment, rubbing mandrels will come in handy in a variety of dent removal situations. The most common usage will be in the rubbing out of small pin-dents or dents that are easily accessible on an instrument between overhauls or work of a more major nature. They are of a rigid steel rod with a polished/buffed working surface.

This type of burnisher is meant to be hand-held, with it’s primary purpose being the removal of blemishes from the surface of metal without removing any of the material itself, (as is the case with an emery stick, file, buffing wheel, or grinding wheel.) The blade of the burnisher is of a polished/buffed, hardened and tempered steel and must always be kept in the best of condition, as it is possible to put more blemishes on the surface with a burred tool than one can possibly remove.

This type of burnisher is identical in function to the small burnisher, with the exception of their larger blade size and their longer handles which may be placed under ones, arm pit for added leverage (when working on larger areas or thicker metal stock).

These may be purchased in a number of sizes, however, usually 3 sizes ranging in a diameter of from 3" to 8" is usually sufficient. This type of burnisher will come in handy where excessive leverage is required on the larger brasswinds. As with the other burnishers, the polished/buffed inner working surface must be kept free of blemishes or metallic build up.

Although not a distinct function of dent removal, many of the same techniques and tools are required in the fabrication of body patches. These tools are placed in the vise as the sheet brass (usually diamond shaped) is hammered into the proper configuration for eventual soldering over body cracks or corrosion.