The Making of a FrankenViolin - Tuning Pegs, Nut and Bridge

The tuning pegs were my next challenge. None of them fit into the holes in the pegbox of the violin. Tuning pegs are especially tricky because they are tapered and designed to fit tightly. The holes on each side of the violin head must be different widths because the pegs are tapered. I didn’t have a drill bit large enough, so I had to make a quick trip to the local hardware store. 

The man at the store recommended a drill bit and suggested a technique to taper the holes. Following his directions, I drilled new holes and tested them each time to be sure the pegs fit. I then had to drill a tiny hole in each peg to attach the strings. I used my Dremel drill for that. After a few attempts, I was able to successfully install all four pegs.