[pianotech] Best Way To Fix Loose Pins?

[Tom Sivak]

The advantage of using CA in this situation is that you can still explore the other options with no adverse effects if the CA doesn't solve the problem.  Try CA first.

Driving the pin in deeper or using a sandpaper sleeve are reversible actions, but will do further damage to the hole, making the problem more serious.  In my experience, sand paper sleeves work only minimally well in improving pin torque.

The oversized pin should be your last resort.  Once the pin goes in, if it doesn't work, there's not much else you can do besides replace the block.  

Or correct me if I'm not thinking that through correctly. 

Tom Sivak
Chicago



--- On Wed, 1/28/09, Greg Livingston <pianotuner440 at hotmail.com> wrote:

> From: Greg Livingston <pianotuner440 at hotmail.com>
> Subject: [pianotech] Best Way To Fix Loose Pins?
> To: "Pianotech list" <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 3:50 PM
> I'm asking this of my more experienced colleagues. A
> good customer and friend has a '30s Mason & Hamlin
> grand with a few really loose pins.  At this time, she
> can't consider an overhaul, so what would be the best
> plan for me?  
> 
> -bigger pins?  (wouldn't that spread cracks wider?)
> -bang the pins in deeper? (only adds a little more grabbing
> area)
> -sandpaper sleeve?  (the least invasive, I think)
> -CA? (don't like it, since I spilled it once and glued
> my toolbox to the floor of my car; besides, I never liked
> Pintite)
> 
> Your advice is gratefully appreciated.
> ___________________________________________________
> 
> Gregory P. Livingston, Piano Tuning and Service 
> 781-237-9178 
> Piano Technicians Guild, associate member (Boston chapter) 
> 
> 
> 
> * * * Always remember September 11, 2001
> * * *
> 
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