Activating a Weighted Tuning Forks with a Mallet or Puck.

There are two problems that can occur when when using an activator with weighted tuning forks.

1. Tapping too hard may cause the weights to touch. This won't damage the fork but noise of the weights can be annoying. If the weights touch when you tap a fork, you are tapping too hard.
2. The other problem is that if you tap very hard, over time the weights might come loose. Weights on a tuning should never come loose. 

The best way to activate a weighted fork is by tapping the weight (round part on the prongs) against the heal of your palm, pinkie side. 

Tap Lightly First

Most people start by tapping very hard believing this is what it takes to get a good tone. This is not true. The secret is to use a flicking motion, like you are flicking water off your fingers. To see how this is done, visit this page, watch the second video, How to Use Tuning Forks at about 2:15 (a new tab or window will open).

When you activate a weighted fork and place the stem on your body, you should feel the vibration for about 8-15 seconds depending on the frequency. If you place it by your ears, you will hear a weighted tuning fork for about 30 seconds. Whether you are using your palm or puck, tap lightly first. If the tone stops after a few seconds then try again tapping a little harder. Eventually you understand how hard to you need to tap in order to get a good tone.

I understand that tapping against your palm may be uncomfortable for some. In that case use a hockey puck or a tuning fork activator but again, tap lightly at first to understand how hard you should tap. Put the activator in your pocket or place a towel over it if you want to muffle the tapping sound.

Activating Long Tuning Forks

The weights on long tuning forks like the Otto 32 or the Low Om are more likely to touch because of the length of the prongs. If this happens, try tapping the prongs at about 1/3 from the top. Use your palm instead of a puck if you can.

Please Do Not Use a Mallet

There are several manufacturers on Amazon offering mallets with their forks. Please do not use these. Doing so puts you in the habit of using one fork at a time. The power of sound healing with tuning forks is using several forks at once to create harmonics (this is mainly for unweighted forks). Also, the mallets you'll see online are too light weight to create a solid tone. You will get a stronger tone more easily if you tap the fork against something rather than tapping something against a tuning fork.

If you see a manufacturer providing an Allen wrench with their weighted forks to tighten the weights, avoid them. The weight of a tuning fork should never come loose.