Lesson learned.....

[Dean May]

David wrote: It makes sense, but don't we have to turn the piano on it's
back to do this

As Susan described, you can apply a little glue at the base of the pin
with the piano vertical and the capillary action will suck it right in.
Using a hypo oiler works really well for this. I buy them from Schaff by
the dozen. Have a q-tip handy in case any runs down. You don't want it
running down the strings onto the dampers. I, too, have done this
technique in a pinch. I prefer to sell the thorough job.

Susan and Thump spoke of making no guarantees. I say, "Why not?" I find
it very useful in selling the job. I give an eight year warranty. It
helps me sell a $250 job that cost $7 in materials and 30 minutes of my
time. As Susan says I can nurse just about any piano along for 8 years,
and that was even before I had CA glue in my arsenal!! So far the worst
warranty issue I had needed some more CA glue, but 95% of the time, no
problems. If worse comes to worse, I am fully prepared to refund the
money on a pro-rated basis. 

Speaking of problem child pins that need additional treatment, I pull
the pin, squirt some glue in the hole and put the pin back in. No
swabbing. This has always worked for me. I've also done this on uprights
I am re-stringing. I just drop a couple of drops in each hole before I
put the pin in. I try to hold the tip so the glue runs down the sides of
the hole. The new pins feel great. 

Dean
Dean May             cell 812.239.3359
PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272
Terre Haute IN  47802