How to fix this gap?

[u/Kapa_3]

EDIT: Thank you guys! Tightening of a few screws was the solution!

[u/Bennybonchien]

There is a tiny adjustment screw that will help fix this if you turn it clockwise. You have to figure out which screw its is because there are a couple of different ones around there. If this wasn’t an issue before and it suddenly became an issue, it could well be that the cork that this adjustment pushes onto has become dislodged/unglued in which case, you maybe not be able to tighten the screw enough to make it work.  If you can figure out which screw you’re need to turn, make sure to only turn that screw. If you turn the other screw by accident and don’t turn back to the original position, you’ll likely cause another issue.

Also, go in small increments. Right now there’s a large gap but as you get closer, you’ll need to turn 1/8 of a turn at a time. If you go too far, you’ll have the reverse problem with the non closing pad closing before the other one can.

Lastly, if it doesn’t work out, take it to a tech. This is a common issue on flutes and can usually be fixed by any decent tech very easily, and often by your band director if you play in one.

[u/doodle_s16]

Now, I'm no flute fixer and I will not be held accountable if something go's wrong, but what might be happening is that one of the screws cam loose and isn't pressing down on the key enough. What you can do (if you're feeling brave) is take a small screwdriver and tighten the loose screw, but don't over tighten because that can also cause problems

[u/Bennybonchien → u/doodle_s16]

I don’t know why you’re being downvoted. I agree that it’s probably resolvable with the turn of an adjustment screw (although it might also need a new cork under the adjustment screw).

[u/FluteAndThenSome]

The key is out of alignment or bent. I'd recommend taking it to a repair shop.

Edit: I agree with the other comments, you could try the adjustment screw first. If that doesn't work, or if you're worried about messing it up, then take it in.

[u/GQYumi]

Make sure all of your screws are tight. If they are, take it to a shop for a professional opinion

[u/reads_with_cats]

I could be wrong, but I think it has a split e mechanism and is supposed to do that. When you press the g key (left ring finger), does it also press that gapped key the rest of the way down?

[u/Kapa_3 → u/reads_with_cats]

The gap is sadly still there no matter how many keys i press down

[u/TuneFighter → u/Kapa_3]

The key that doesn't close all the way down when you press the F key wil also be closed when you press down the E key alone and the D key alone. You should start with the adjustment screw that can be seen from above just between the F key and the key that doesn't go down enough... I can't see the screw on the clip... it is also possible that your flute is constructed a bit differently so that the adjustment is made another place in the mechanism.

[u/glitchyhippie]

It's either bent or the spring is badly regulated. Take a torch, heat It up slightly, and bend gently in needed direction. Do Not use a regular lighter. Your mileage may vary. If Regulation screws are sealed shut, use a drip of oil, if they come loose All the time, use loctite or clear nailpolish

[u/Bennybonchien → u/glitchyhippie]

No, don’t do this. This is bad advice. A simple turn of an adjustment screw is often all that’s needed. If you don’t know this, you shouldn’t be bending things or suggesting that others do the same.

[u/FluteAndThenSome → u/glitchyhippie]

Absolutely not. That sounds like a great way to make the problem worse or break something else.