Why is the pivot system important?

The study of the PIVOT SYSTEM is absolutely essential for all brass instrument performers because strict adherence to a musical approach deprives the student of basic mechanical necessities which are vital to his uninterrupted improvement on the instrument. - Reinhardt, Encyclopedia of the Pivot System, 1973 page XI.

How does a Yamaha pivot screw work?

Makes and Models: Yamaha This pivot screw system is self-locking by having a piece of thread-locking material that passes through the threads. This fills the gap between the threads of the screw and the threads of the post and works to hold it in place.

Should I use a pivot screw or a rod mounted key?

When keys aren’t on the same axis, however, it’s preferable that they be mounted via pivot screws instead of rods. Pivot screw mounted keys tend to be more forgiving if the keywork gets slightly bent or banged around from general or rough use/accidents than rod mounted keys, which can bind or be impeded by friction from misalignment.