A new technique for easing tight tuning pins

[Joe & Penny Goss]

Robert,
This  works for me.
For tight or sticky pins, loosen the pin if it is a single 3/4 turn and work
the pin back and forth 1/4 turn, ten to fifteen times and pull back up to
pitch.
With wire that goes arround the hitch pin to another tuning pin loosen both
tuning pins before working on the jumpy pin. I do this thinking that it will
not harden the becket as much. Haven't broken any strings as yet doing this.
With sticky but loose pins CA is great
Joe Goss
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Goodale <rrg@nevada.edu>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 25, 1999 10:11 AM
Subject: A new technique for easing tight tuning pins


> Howdy doo all,
>
> Not long ago I brought up an idea on this list of how to relieve
> tight and squeaky tuning pins.  The response to my idea was
> mixed.  Being the tinkering type I decided to experiment.  I am
> now happy to report that the idea was a complete success!
>
> The problem: Tuning pins that are too tight and squeak and pop
> during tuning.  The result of course is an exceptionally
> difficult and unstable tuning.  In my particular case I restrung
> an upright piano with what seemed at the time an appropriate size
> tuning pin.  Unfortunately when the job was completed I
> immediately discovered that the tuning pins were WAY too tight,
> not only threatening to break a pin but virtually incapable of
> provide a good tuning.  Needless to say I sung a short chorus of
> unmentionable words, (not my normal vocabulary by any means).
>
> So... what to do?  After a few days of thought I came up with the
> idea of somehow heating the pins in order to ease them, not
> unlike easing a tight felt bushing in other applications.  I
> first tried a few experiments in some scrap maple material by
> drilling 2/0 holes and inserting 4/0 pins.  The result of course
> was pins that were virtually impossible to turn.  I then built a
> "pin heater" using the heating element from an old pair of shank
> bending pliers, those electric things you use to bend hammer
> shanks.  Using an old tuning hammer tip, I conformed various
> pieces of hardware to construct a device that could easily slip
> onto a tuning pin to apply the heat.
>
> After getting the device good and hot I proceeded to heat the
> tight experimental pin.  After about four minutes I removed the
> heater and attempted to turn the pin.  Voila!!  Not only did it
> turn but it turned smoothly and with no squeaking or popping!  Of
> course things could change after the pin cooled so I waited.  The
> results were the same, no change!!  Not satisfied with one
> success I tried it again.  Then again.  After a reasonable number
> of these it was clear that this technique was working
> beautifully.  Four minutes of applied heat seemed to do the
> trick. Next the acid test: I tried it on the piano.  The results-
> a workable and smooth turning pin!!  Then another- same results.
>
> Okay, admittedly it takes a while to do an entire piano.  But the
> method does work and the piano does not have to be repined.  In
> the field this is probably not all that practical with the
> possible exception of treating some isolated pins.  If the piano
> is in your possession however, you can treat the pins while doing
> other projects.  Simply set an egg timer and change the pin
> heater to the next pin as required.  You could also get several
> heaters going at once, greatly speeding up the process.
>
> The pin heater that I built is rather crude to say the least.  It
> does get very hot, (I will have to confirm the wattage).  In the
> near future I hope to refine the device.  Perhaps a nice
> insulated handle with a built in timer. We'll see what develops.
> If I can find a neat and efficient way to built these perhaps
> I'll make some available for sale, (personal plug).
>
> Happy day!!
>
> Rob Goodale, RPT
> Las Vegas, NV
>
>