Best Autoharp Tuning Wrench: Why the Grover 8020 Is the Standard Choice

Last Updated on June 9, 2026 by folkstrings

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Autoharp tuning pins are not the same size as guitar tuning pegs. A standard guitar tuner, string winder, or general-purpose tuning tool won’t fit — you need a wrench designed specifically for the autoharp’s square tuning pins. The Grover 8020 is the one that most players use, and for good reason.

Grover 8020 Autoharp Tuning Hammer

Price: $8.55 | Rating: 4.3★ (364 reviews)

The Grover 8020 has been the standard autoharp tuning wrench for a long time. It fits the square tuning pins found on most Oscar Schmidt autoharps and gives you enough leverage to make clean, precise adjustments without risking damage to the pins.

At $8.55 it’s about as inexpensive as a purpose-built instrument tool gets. There are no meaningful alternatives at this price point that have a comparable track record — the Grover is simply what autoharp players use, and 364 reviews at 4.3★ reflects that it does the job reliably.

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A Note on Tuning the Autoharp

Tuning an autoharp takes patience regardless of which wrench you use. With 36 strings, each small adjustment on one string can subtly affect the overall tension balance. Work methodically from the lowest strings upward, and expect a full tuning session to take 15–20 minutes until you get a feel for it. After a fresh restring the strings will need several tuning passes over a few days as they stretch in — this is normal and not a sign anything is wrong.

What About Generic Options?

There are generic zither and autoharp tuning hammers available at similar or lower prices. In practice, the Grover 8020 is so affordable already that there’s no compelling reason to look elsewhere. It’s the known quantity with a solid review history, and at under $10 the price difference with generic alternatives is negligible.

What Else You’ll Need

The wrench handles the physical adjustment, but you’ll need a chromatic clip-on tuner to know what you’re tuning to. And if you’re restringing at the same time, check that you have the right autoharp strings for your model before you start — loop end and ball end strings are not interchangeable.