Agraffes

[David ilvedson]

> Date:          Tue, 24 Sep 1996 22:33:14 -0400 (EDT)
> From:          Mark Graham <magraham@baldwinw.edu>
> Subject:       Agraffes
> To:            Pianotech <pianotech@byu.edu>
> Reply-to:      pianotech@byu.edu

> I haven't replaced more than 3 agraffes in my life. One broke on the older
> of two Steinway D's on stage. We can live without it for about a week.
>
> But here's the problem. I was using a #2 easy-out extractor. Drilled the
> correct size hole. The easy-out wouldn't grip. I put a #3 extractor in,
> and it gripped. But as I started turning it, the tip of it broke off about
> flush with the brass. So now what do I do? Get a diamond tip bit and drill
> all over again? I'm wondering why I couldn't budge the piece of the
> agraffe. Can one use Liquid Wrench or something similar to loosen it? I'm
> afraid now I might destroy the threads.
>
> Any help would be appreciated. It's a 7/32" agraffe, if that matters. I'm
> going out of town for a week starting Thursday night, so if anyone feels
> like answering before then, I could use the moral support if nothing else!
> Thanks, Mark Graham, Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music
>
>
Mark,

I rarely use easy-outs and they are farther down the list of
repairs.  My first choice is simply a small screwdriver with the
blade shaped like a V, with two prongs sticking out.  Lock on with
a vice-grip and turn counter-clockwise while tapping with a
small hammer.  This nearly always works...

In your case maybe you could drill around the easy-out and grip
with a vice-grip.  Sounds like a challenge!
David ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA