<HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>[CAUT] existing pinblock prep</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> Dear Jeff and All- Was out of town so just catching up on this thread. Re gun brushing- Sometimes when going from # 2 to # 3 pins in a piano where the torque levels are adequate ( 90 – 120 inch lbs , say ) the # 3’s can end up a little tight. When  stringing in this situation, I usually found that I used a gun brush more in the V bar section as the torque levels increased. Normally I would take torque readings prior to teardown to see if the level varied by section, which many times it does. I would not brush globally before stringing until I put in a few and saw where things were torque wise. Most times the bass and tenor are OK. Removing pins will lower levels somewhat. This doesn’t address stringing on the original pins. That is an option if you are comfortable with the extra effort and time.  After trying them early on, I have rarely used spoon reamers, even by hand. Smaller differences are more easily made with a gun brush  by hand. Re Lo torque- The half sizes make sense to me and give more flexibility. I don’t really get the different sized head size vs pins size except for tuning lever tip fit. A # 4 pin will still give an odd tuning feel regardless. # 3’s are my max before putting in a new pin block. If you have to go up two sizes to get proper torque it is probably time for a new block. Maybe not in a practice room or a lower profile setting, but where fine control and stability are more important. Just my opinion. Your mileage may vary. David David C. Brown Arizona State University School of Music Piano Technician 1-480-965-6760 david.c.brown.2@asu.edu >Jeff, > >I am a low volumne restorer..meaning I only restring maybe 3 or 4 >pianos a year...But my experience is...if the block is good, >especially in a full fit piano like the S&S...(I have very little >experience installing the full fit block)   I have had exceptional >results with the fine quality of the Lo-Torque pins. > >It seems the old argument about over-size pins had to do with the >increased diameter of the pin, resulting in less fine  control of >the wire...and that is a realistic complaint. I think the Lo-Torques >are a 'better' pin than what comes out of most pianos....Yes, they >are more $$$. > >I don't use a gun brush...or a reamer...Though,a reamer(done by hand >to avoid heat?) would give a consistent hole size...! > >Good stringing, > >dan > > >On Jul 18, 2008, at 7:50 AM, Jeff Farris wrote: > >>Hi Dan, >> >>Yes, I like the idea of lo-torque pins, although I've not used them >>but once. I guess what I was really interested in finding out, is >>how comfortable technicians are with using larger diameter pins >>(#4, etc.) in a block for the second (or third) time, without >>replacing the block. If the only reason to not move up to a #4 pin >>for a second restringing is to avoid the tuning tip being on a >>larger diameter pin, then the lo-torque pin takes care of that >>issue. And also, does using a gun brush actually bring noticeable >>results. I have been using one by hand, mainly to "scrub" out any >>glue residue that may be "burned" on the inside of the hole from >>removing pins. I definitely see powder coming out of the holes when >>doing so. But maybe it would be just fine not using the brush. >> >>I appreciate all the input. >> >>Thanks, >>Jeff >> >> >>>Jeff, >>> >>>Are you going to restring with the 'Lo-Torque pins? Fine  pins >>>(Diamond I think)...#1 or #2 tops, and 3...31/2...4...41/2 >>>bottoms...Fat bottoms...skinny tops...( Hey, that reminds me >>>...no, better not go there) >>> >>>dan R >>> >>>dallas >>>On Jul 17, 2008, at 9:42 AM, Jeff Farris wrote: >>> >>>>Hi list, >>>> >>>>New topic!  When restringing and retaining the existing pinblock >>>>- for instance, the pins are not loose, but you are improving >>>>bridges, capo, agraffes, etc, - do you use anything on the >>>>pinblock holes, such as gun cleaning brush (what size?), reamers >>>>(also what size?) and what results have you had? has anyone done >>>>any "scientific" research with this? As in, I've never treated >>>>some holes one way and others a different way to check results. >>>>Just wanting to know what you prefer. >>>> >>>>Thanks, >>>>-- >>>>Jeff Farris </BODY> </HTML>