Editing Smoke testing (mechanical) (section)

=== Woodwind instrument repair ===
In [[woodwind instrument]] repair, a smoke test involved plugging one end of an instrument and blowing tobacco smoke from the tester's mouth into the other to test for leaks. Escaping smoke revealed improperly seated pads and faulty joints (i.e. leaks). After this test the instrument was cleaned to remove nicotine and other deposits left by the smoke.<ref name="Woodwind instruments and their history">Anthony Baines, Woodwind Instruments and their history", 1967 (page 355)</ref>

Described in a repair manual written in the 1930s,{{Citation needed|date=May 2008}} smoke testing is considered obsolete, {{Citation needed|date=May 2008}} and is no longer used by reputable technicians.{{Citation needed|date=May 2008}} The usual alternative to smoke is to place a bright light inside the instrument then check for light appearing around pads and joints.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}}