Steinway Shoulder nut

[Conrad Hoffsommer]

>
> I wonder what tricks have been devised in the removal/replacement (with
> the original -- as opposed to replacing new) of the shoulder nut that
> doesn't have squared sides (the one that's typically in the center of the
> elongated X at the rear, left on the plate).  I've never been able to get
> that thing off or on without munging the finish and/or leaving "teeth
> marks" (from the vice-grips!! not my own teeth!).  I've heard of
> loosening the bottom part first while holding the top part stationary --
> easier said than done.  I've seen where other rebuilders have gone ahead
> and munged the thing up then turned it back smooth on a grinder (not
> particularly elegant looking!).  Is there some kind of tool -- not unlike
> an oil filter wrench -- that one can make or buy that will do this task
> with elegant (graceful, even) results?
>
> Thanks a mil!
>
> Ron Torrella                "Dese are de conditions dat prevail."
> School of Music                         --Jimmy Durante
> University of Illinois
>
>
Ron,
Try taking the felt off an old bass hammer, or tenor size carve it down to
size and use your pliers (channel-lock?) around that. The felt should be
tough enough to grab the nut, but not allow the teeth to get through.

Good luck, Conrad