A new technique for easing tight tuning pins

[John R Fortiner]

On Fri, 26 Nov 1999 11:29:47 -0900 "Joe & Penny Goss"
<imatunr@primenet.com> writes:
> 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.
** Isn't that another method of producing heat via friction between the
pin and block??  If heat does make the fit a little freer I would think
that either method would be OK.  I'll have to try it.
John Fortiner
Billings, MT.
> 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
> >
> >
> 

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