how do you replace flute corks?

Ignoring the pad fixing answer, to replace a cork is really rather easy. You will need a champagne or wine bottle cork of the actual cork variety, superglue and a scalpel or stanley knife. cut a thin sliver of cork, check it's the right size, keep cutting new bits until the right thickness that beds the key inline with the other key the cork is padding to align (or if it's a trill key/ Eb key chunk, just make sure it isn't too large to allow the key to work); superglue it on a bob's your uncle.

Leonard
June 2012

The process isn't worth a DIY fix because accurately seating the pads requires shellac and a hot torch (ie gas flame) to heat it while the pad seats correctly. For a professional repair person with the right tools, it's a quick and easy job and therefore doesn't cost much. Unless you've been trained, it's a fast way to burn yourself and catch fire to the pads on the flute while you're at it!

Simon Croft
June 2010