Stubborn Backchecks

[reggaepass at aol.com]

Addendum: removal of stubborn backchecks

We're talking about removing them wires and all, right?? If so, here's what we did: Take a 2x4 (maybe 6" or so long) and cut a groove with a table saw down the center of it's length, tall, wide and long enough to slide over the end of the key (note: don't groove the entire length of the block, for strength's sake).? Slide the block over the end of the key, grip the wire (from the key button side) with a pair of substantial needle-nose vise grips, slide a small crow bar under the vise grips from the key-end felt side, and pry up.? We also used a little wedge of hard-wood, sliding it in under the crow bar to keep the prying angle as close to ideal as possible while the backcheck rises (thereby minimizing damage to the backcheck block).? 

I could have done several in the time it took me to write this.? It won't take you half a day, and efficiency is more than doubled if you have a helper with a decent sense of working together.

Cheers,

Alan Eder


 


 




 



-----Original Message-----

From: Rob & Helen Goodale <rrg at unlv.nevada.edu>

To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>

Sent: Thu, 19 Jul 2007 9:46 am

Subject: Stubborn Backchecks




















Hello all,




?




I have a relatively new Steinway B that requires 
new back checks.? As far as I'm concerned the old ones are fine.? 
Someone told the pianist that "they are noisy and need replacement" and now he 
is convinced they are.? He never mentioned a thing until he was told 
this.? The power of suggestion can move mountains.




?




Anyway my typical procedure for removing back 
checks that I have been using for years is working them out with a pair of wire 
cutters gripping the sides with a small block of wood below.? These, 
however, are exceptionally stubborn.? After much frustration I tried using 
an upright hammer shank extractor.? That worked well but it took an 
enormous amount of time.? It could take over a half day to get all of them 
out at this rate!




?




Any suggestions to speed this up 
appreciated.




?




Rob Goodale, RPT




Las Vegas, NV




?



 






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