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Does your 5th string go sharp when you spike or capo it? Are the spikes installed properly? If the spikes are okay, then the annoying problem can probably be traced back to a poorly located fifth string nut. The nut on this banjo is a typical example. This problem isn't limited to an inexpensive banjo, either. Top of the line banjos are constructed in this way, too. I think it is an easy fix at any factory, but I do so enjoy making people smile when they capo their banjo and it stays in tune after getting it back for this relatively quick and inexpensive fix. The example below has two very common problems. The first is the 5th string nut is too high. The second is the 5th string nut, although close, is behind the 5th fret. The slot can be lowered so the string rides on the fret, but this causes a deep groove to form in the fifth fret after a short period of time and a mysterious buzz develops and starts driving you crazy. The solution? Move the nut and lower the action.
I loosen the strings and use this piece of scrap maple that is notched on both ends to hold them out of the way unless the customer is in need of another set. This saves me a bit of time and it saves the customer a little money as he or she isn't paying me to change them.
Pulling the nut can be as simple as getting a good grip on it with a pair of pliers, but chances are better than not that it will break. When this happens, try to break it off even with the surface of the fingerboard and then drill it out with the proper size drill bit. It may pay to drill it out with a bit that is a little smaller then pick it out with a metal probe. This often works well when pulling a bone nut. Heat the 5th fret and pull the bass side of the fret up so it is clear the surface of the fingerboard. Do not completely remove the fret.
Cut the fret at about 1/16" past the edge of the nut hole. I use a sharply ground pair of small, flush-cutting end nips for this. File the end of the fret smooth.
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