knuckles

[Paul Kupelian]

Hi all,

I too have used the Hart Knucle Buster with great success.  However,
assuming the old knuckles were glued in with hide glue,to
make the job easier with either this tool or with the standard knuckle
removing pliers, put some white vinegar (acetic acid) in a small hypo bottle
and apply a bead of this to the knuckle at the shank. This will
effectively soften the glue joint and allow for easy removal of the knuckle.

This procedure is best done if you have an action cradle and you can tip
the hammers so that the bottoms of the hammer shanks are face up and away
from the wippens.

Paul Kupelian, RPT
kupelian@oswego.edu