Spinet Hammer Butt Springs

[Tom Sivak]

Why do you think the springs are weak?  Is it because the hammers don't return as quickly as they should?  If so, maybe you don't need to replace the springs; perhaps the action centers on the butt flanges need a little CLP.  You might be able to reach the offending flanges with a hypo oiler w/a long needle tip applicator.   Apply a little CLP to each side of the flange from above and work it in by striking the key a dozen times or so.  This might free up the hammers to return more quickly, eliminating the need to remove the action.
   
  You could also possibly strengthen the springs by taking each one and bending it upwards, which would tighten the coil of the spring and increase the tension it puts on the hammer butt.  You would also not need to remove the action to do this.  
   
  But I agree with Debbie: you've got to learn how to remove the action of a spinet sooner or later.  The first time's the hardest.  You can do it.
   
  Good luck,
  Tom Sivak
  Chicago

pianolady50 at peoplepc.com wrote:
  > Joe said:
> Arlin,
> If all you are doing is replacing the Hammer Butt springs, I'd suggest
> taking the spring rail out with the action still installed in the piano.
> You should be able to get at the screws that hold in the rail, either with
> a long screw driver, (thin blade with a round tip), or with a ratchet
> off-set screwdriver. Or, possibly both will be needed.
> Regards,
> Joseph Garrett, R.P.T.
> Captain, Tool Police
> Squares R I

Aww, give him a learning experience! None of us relish the thought of 
removing/reinstalling spinet actions, but sooner or later you just have to 
know how to do it.

Just my preference but I'd rather just "get to it", haul the action to the 
shop, do what is needed and....back in. Charge accordingly. Of course I 
*do* hate trying to fiddle with screwdrivers around action brackets, 
keysticks, etc. And, with my luck the spring rail screws would fall to 
places that never see daylight, not to mention any card spacing punchings 
:-)

JMO,
Debbie 



-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20061111/f94f6d5c/attachment.html