A new technique for easing tight tuning pins

[BobDavis88@AOL.COM]

imatunr@primenet.com writes:

> 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.

We did some experiments in the 70's, when we first used Falconwood pinblock 
material, and drilled a block too much undersize (Hmmph). We found that it 
often behaved differently from maple in that the frictional heat from the 
back/forth sometimes seemed to cause the resins to glaze, making the pins 
looser but EXTREMELY poppy. It did work better if we did just a back and 
forth or two, then allowed plenty of cooling time (the piano was in the shop, 
not on site). Another thing we tried, which if I remember right worked better 
for one or a few pins, was to remove the wire, spin the pin clear out very 
rapidly with a drill (to reduce heat buildup), and drive it back in. 

I am not sure if Delignit doesn't act differently still. My memory is a 
little hazy on all of this, as we have used only maple blocks for a long 
time, so a few more tests might be in order. 
Bob Davis