[pianotech] Handling wire w/ talcum powder

[Ron Nossaman]

> If the respondents would read closely, the original question never 
> mentioned tuning pins, only replacing strings.
> 
> The question is how to prevent moisture, salts and acids etc from the 
> skin getting into contact with the metal wire causing pre-mature 
> tarnishing.
> 
> It is a good idea to wear thin leather gloves for this job. Failing 
> that, Talc or talcum powder works too. I would not put sticky rosin all 
> over my hands... :^)
> 
> Jurgen Goering

Whether replacing an individual string, or restringing an 
entire piano, talc won't hurt a thing. Unless you have moist 
hands (and a corrosive personality), you don't need anything 
on them for string replacement. Just wash up. Talc, as a 
lubricant, won't have a decremental effect on cut thread 
tuning pins but it makes it harder to hang onto strings and 
tools. Chalk line chalk is better for that, and rosin is best.
Ron N