Plate bolt question

[Geoff Sykes]

Robin --
 
I, too, use the screwdriver tips that fit into my tuning hammer. Very
convenient. I have only been going after the hidden screws when I find that
the accessible screws need more than just a nudge to tighten them up. And
even then I've only gone for the ones that aren't totally hidden. Loosening
the strings to get to those is something I just sort of didn't want to think
about. Perhaps I should the next time I feel the need to get that
aggressive.
 
I can honestly say I have never actually stripped one of these screws out.
But I do find them stripped out occasionally. My first reaction when I find
this is to wonder how anyone could actually strip out screws that are that
big. And then I wonder if they might not have been stripped out at the
factory level. I do find the occasional new piano with plate and action
mounting screws stripped. Action mounting screws I can fix easily by gluing
in a piece of wood, (NOT toothpicks). But, (see question 2), is that an
acceptable way to repair stripped plate screws?
 
-- Geoff Sykes
-- Assoc. Los Angeles

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Robin Blankenship
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 12:54 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: Plate bolt question


Geoff,
I'm with David I. about that; don't sweat the understring ones....UNLESS you
are noticing a tuning stability problem or unless you're finding the easy to
reach ones obviously in need of a turn. In those cases, bite the bullet and
loose just enough strings just enough to get the screwdriver onto the
screw/bolt. More work up front but often less in the long run. I often use
those big Phillips and flathead screwdriver tips that fit into the tuning
hammer. I got for very snug, but not ridiculously so. No need to
gratuitiously strip screws, LOL. 
 
And, don't forget to at least look at and try to get to the plate screws at
the bottom of vertical piano's plate. 
 
Robin Blankenship
Matoaca, VA

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Geoff  <mailto:thetuner at ivories52.com> Sykes 
To: Pianotech at Ptg. Org 
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 1:18 PM
Subject: Plate bolt question

Greetings all --
 
I routinely check the tightness of plate bolts/screws. This includes those
that screw into the pinblock. 
 
Question 1: How do you tighten the pinblock bolts/screws that are blocked by
strings?
 
Question 2: What is the preferred method of repair when stripped
bolts/screws are discovered?
 
-- Geoff Sykes
-- Assoc. Los Angeles



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