Tech/maintenance Neck tenon question

[AlonW]

I stupidly used 1200 grit sandpaper to file down my neck tenon to make it fit better... instead of simply using cork grease. I am worried I may have created a leak this way. It may be out of round at the top and bottom, but when I slide it in it seems to make pretty good contact on the sides, at least in the middle part of the tenon. The sax plays well and I can't detect any leaks. Should I be concerned?

 

[AlonW]

Even stupider is the fact I did this once before and my tech had to expand the tenon already. I was embarrassed when I told him I needed him to possibly do it again. However, this time the swipe with sandpaper was fairly small.

 

[Colin the Bear]

A touch of Autosol metal polish will clean up a tenon if verdigris is making it tight and awkward to assemble, without removing too much metal.

The lower section of the socket is the airtight part. The upper part flexes to clamp. Don't be tempted to lean on the screw. It can distort the socket, making it worse or snap the screw.

Too much grease at this joint can trap dust and grit when disassembled, which will speed up wear on assembly. So, minimal lubricant, a mere hint is all that's needed to keep out the atmosphere when disassembled to inhibit corrosion and assist with assembly.