[pianotech] Removing Strings

[Duaine Hechler]

A couple of times, I've been asked to destring old uprights.

After taking down the tension, cut the string before it does in the capo bar. Then I take a pair of vice-grips and pull 
on the string - in an unwinding motion - and voila the string is out. Sometimes I do have a little trouble getting the 
string out of the becket hole.

In taking down the tension, I've used my tuning lever - however - I'm going to order the pin driver that can go in a 
drill and use that next time.

Duaine

On 05/12/2011 09:08 AM, David Love wrote:
>
> You don’t need a becket breaker. After taking down the tension I often use an awl or something similar to pry out the 
> becket and then pull the string over the pin with a string hook. A becket breaker is a bit faster but not that much 
> and then you have all those little end pieces to deal with.
>
> David Love
>
> www.davidlovepianos.com
>
> *From:*pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] *On Behalf Of *Steven Hopp
> *Sent:* Thursday, May 12, 2011 6:47 AM
> *To:* pianotech at ptg.org
> *Subject:* [pianotech] Removing Strings
>
> I have been asked to de-string a Steinway grand. I don't need to be careful for reasons of what they are doing with 
> the piano after. I have done this before but needed to be careful so the piano could be put back in order.
>
> My question is would using a becket breaking tool be the fastest way to deal with the coils and getting the job 
> moving? Is there a way to do this without purchasing the dedicated tool Schaff sells? Also are there any safety 
> concerns? Do I need to follow any special order of sections or pins to prevent harm to plate and myself? (I do need to 
> keep the plate from breaking :)
>
> Thanks for the help
>
> Steven Hopp
>
> Midland, TX
>


-- 
Duaine Hechler
Piano, Player Piano, Pump Organ
Tuning, Servicing&  Rebuilding
Reed Organ Society Member
Florissant, MO 63034
(314) 838-5587
dahechler at att.net
www.hechlerpianoandorgan.com
--
Home&  Business user of Linux - 11 years