1) Remove action, protect keybed, CA pins from top.
2) If still loose, drive pins in a bit more. ( Make SURE you use a pinblock jack! I've seen a half dozen grands around here with shattered pin blocks, because some "technician" didn't!!! )
3) If still loose, invert grand and CA tuning pin holes ( if they go all the way through the block ) from underneath.
Make sure you do a "rough tuning" before trying step 1.
Do it in this order or coils too close to the plate will make CA application harder, or "caps" of CA over the bottoms of the pins will cause problems when driving.
Euphonious Thumpe
--- On Wed, 1/28/09, Farrell <mfarrel2 at tampabay.rr.com> wrote:
> From: Farrell <mfarrel2 at tampabay.rr.com>
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Best Way To Fix Loose Pins?
> To: pianotech at ptg.org
> Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 1:45 PM
> Sandpaper will do further damage to the hole - and it works
> only minimally well?
>
> I've used CA many time with fairly good results.
> However, when there are just a few tuning pins that are
> loose, I find just as easy and with more predictable results
> to use sandpaper shims. I usually use about 120 grit. If the
> pin on only a bit loose, I might use half a wrap. If the pin
> is quite loose, I'll use a full wrap. Pluse I really
> like the way a sandpaper-shimmed pin feels when tuning -
> very nice motion. CA can tend to get a bit jumpy.
>
> So, when there are only a few pins, CA if you wish -
> it's a good approach - or sandpaper shims - very good
> approach IMHO.
>
> Don't forget to put rough side of paper toward the
> wood.
>
> Terry Farrell
>
> Ton Sivak replied:
> 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.
> Or correct me if I'm not thinking that through
> correctly.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> 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,
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