WD40

[Newton Hunt]

Dear Friends,

WD-40, like any other chemical material used in a piano must be used
with descretion and care.

First remember that it is NOT a lubricant, it is a Water Displacement
petrolium distilate.  It's minor lubricitious qualities come from it
being just that, a petrolium distilate.

We do not uss Proteck on bass strings, damper felts and other places
that will not be improved by a lubricant.

Neither should WD-40.

The only place I would find WD-40 of use is as a cleaner/solvent like
removing Epoxy, grease, paint or other gookies from fingers and other
surfaces and as a center pin free-er / upper on frozen Asian center
pins.

Here again common sense must be used.  I prefer to use one drop at a
time on such center pins, not sprayed on.  WD-40, because it is a
petrolium distilate, will stain wood, but because of it inherent
volitility, will not accumulate dust or dirt, again, if used properly. 
Spray it into a cup or cap and use a syringe or buy it in upressureized
containers.

I would not use WD-40 on Renner, Yamaha, or Steinway parts.  I have only
used it on Korean made parts that freeze up after some usage.  I have
followed one treated damper action for eight years.  It continues to be
free, no odor, no dust accumulation and no other obvious side effects
except the damper action remains free.

Casters, pedals, trapwork, actions, string bearing points or felts and
damper guide rails are not places to use WD-40.  I have ONLY used it on
center pins, with considerable success, and I use it most discretely.

	Newton
	nhunt@jagat.com