broken agraffe

[David ilvedson]

Richard,

In the future be sure to leave the EZ out as a last resort!  Take 
an old screwdriver, diameter/blade slightly smaller than the 
agraffe stem.  Use a file to make a  <  shape to the blade, that 
is two points not a point.  Attach a vice-grip to the blade and 
tap the handle as you back out the agraffe.  Most of the time 
this will do the job.  If that doesn't do it I would drill and try the 
EZ out and if that fails then drill out the agraffe (carefully) until 
you can peel out the remaining brass threads.  

David Ilvedson, RPT 

Date sent:      	Sat, 13 Mar 1999 20:44:51 -0700
To:             	pianotech@ptg.org
From:           	Richard and Julie <capprj@peakpeak.com>
Subject:        	broken agraffe
Send reply to:  	pianotech@ptg.org

> Hello list,
> 
> This is my first time on the list, although I have read the pianotech
> digest a number of times.  Another first is my first
> broken-off-at-the-plate agraffe repair to make.  It is a 1923 Steinway A,
> 3-hole agraffe at note A-flat 4 (or note number 48).  Unfortunately my
> effort to get the broken-off stub out with an E-Z Out did not work, and I
> messed up the hole trying to tap it for the new1/4" agraffe. (how
> embarrassing!)
> 
> Has anyone used a heli-coil to repair stripped out holes?  Or epoxy?  Or
> J.B. Weld?  Any suggestions will be appreciated.
> 
> Richard Capp, RPT
> Boulder, CO
> 
> 
> 


David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA
ilvey@jps.net