Chickering damper wire

[McNeilTom@aol.com]

Hi, Don -

Interesting problem, one I've not yet encountered personally.

If you use new wire, of 0.072" diameter, you'll be looking for a No. 1 die to
cut the thread.  (No. 2 would be 0.085" or 0.086" for the major diameter of
the thread.)  The closest you'll find for off-the-shelf dies would be 1-64
thread, which is the standard coarse-thread. (Standard fine-thread is 1-72.)

I wouldn't worry about exactly replicating the original "Chickering Standard
Thread", since the dampers don't really have to be interchangeable with one
another.  In any case, you'll probably want to renew the threaded hole in the
damper flange.  To do this, put a drop of glue into the hole, preferably
epoxy or slow-set CA.  Coat your new threaded wire with Teflon spray or mold
release and press or screw (depending on the fit) into position.  It should
be inserted a little farther into the flange than the finally-regulated
position, to ensure room to regulate later.  Turn the damper wire in the
flange once or twice just as the glue is setting up and you'll have a strong
and just-right thread in the wood.

Best of luck to you, Don.

Best regards,

  -     Tom McNeil, RPT     -
Vermont Piano Restorations