<HTML>Thanks David, I did manage to get them out (finally) but I probably used twice as much steam as I usually do.. Perhaps it's because these were fairly new keys (?)  I was just worried that too much water would create problems Everything turned out fine.  Keys are back in the piano, and I didn't have to do any easing of the new bushings.  (some of the balance holes were pretty tight, but the music building at Colby usually has an RH level around 15% this time of year so I think they'll dry quickly!) Gordon Large, RPT (Colby College, Waterville, ME) In a message dated 1/21/2003 1:33:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, davidskolnik@optonline.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Gordon and all- I received the following from Dave Durban; >Hello David, > >I got this answer from Greg Frank: > >When the glue won't let go under normal circumstances, it's usually a >synthetic glue.  Take a mixture of 1 part ammonia to 3 parts water, and >put just a few drops into the mortise.  Then put your bushing iron tip of >your soldering iron into the hole, and turn the key upside down.  This >will result in the solution falling onto the hot iron, and shooting into >the felt.  Greg tells me that while it is a bit messy, it will blast the >adhesive such that it will let go, and the felt will come out with ease. </BLOCKQUOTE> </HTML>