botched agraffe stem removal

[David Ilvedson]

Just in case you haven't been on top of agraffe removal...a small screwdriver filed to a  M shape.   Vice-grip attached, turn counter-clockwise as you tap into the agraffe stem.   It always works...well almost always...

Do not drill into the agraffe with a reverse bit etc.   Use the tool above...

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Isaac Sadigursky" <irs.pianos at earthlink.net>
To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Received: 12/15/2007 7:31:07 PM
Subject: RE: botched agraffe stem removal


>Hi,Matt!
>I would advice to go to 1/4" agraffe size and it should work. In case
>threads are really damaged-go to 9/32" size.Pianotec and Schaff have all
>those supplies...Heli-coils don't work in agraffe application.... And in
>case threads are really-really-really messed-up,I have 1/2" custom made
>plugs for those extreme cases..Feel free to call me.. Good
>luck!!!![beginners luck usually doesn't work with agraffes,you have to be
>prepared]...Isaac Sadigursky,A.S. [agraffe specialist with lots of grey
>hair]
>Los Angeles Chapter

>-----Original Message-----
>From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
>Of Matt Wynne
>Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2007 2:04 PM
>To: pianotech at ptg.org
>Subject: botched agraffe stem removal

>Hi All:

>I've got an S&S parlor grand where a broken agraffe at the top of the 
>tenor section was not removed well  as a result, there's been serious 
>thread damage and at this point, I think tapping for a larger agraffe 
>is needed.  Yamaha-style agraffes have a wide enough diameter but 
>taps are not readily available locally as the thread is superfine.  I 
>have not called Yamaha or S&S yet, as I plan to, but I was thinking 
>that maybe some here have run into this problem and may be able to 
>offer some sagely advice as to the best way to proceed.  Maybe 
>there's some type of helicoil kit available?

>-Matt