String Storage

[Glen_Deligdisch@sil.org]

     June 7, 1997
     
     Dear List,
     
     I am trying to figure out a good way to store my coils of piano wire 
     so that they don't rust before I can use them.  I will be taking my 
     coils back with me to the Philippines where temperatures in hot season 
     climb to 105 deg F and humidity floats at 90% and up.  This is the 
     environment I am concerned about.  Untreated steel takes very little 
     time to begin rusting there.  Exposed mechanical parts there are 
     generally sealed up in a product called "Soft-seal" or a thick grease 
     which are both easily cleaned off with solvent.
     
     A couple options that I have are:
     
     1.  A hot box where moisture is kept out with heat.  This is not fool 
     proof as camera lenses still tend to mold.
     
     2.  Pack the coils with desiccant in an air tight container.
     
     3.  Store the coils in oil and clean the wire off at time of 
     installation.  If stored in oil I wonder what would be a good final 
     cleaning solution?  Something that would not leave a residue behind 
     that might accelerate corrosion?
     
     4.  Store them in our air-conditioned archive room.  Only problem 
     being, the strings will sweat profusely when brought out into the hot 
     humid air.
     
     These are a few ideas I am wrestling with.  Do any of you others have 
     ideas?
     
     Do any of you ever oil strings lightly to keep them from rusting (in 
     the piano)?  I realize that it would be impossible to get to all parts 
     of the string span, but some might be better perhaps than none?  I am 
     working on encouraging the owners to install damp chasers but not 
     everyone will be convinced or willing.
     
     Thanks for your thoughts,
     
     Glen
     
     ---------------------------------------------------------------
     
     Glen and Ruth Deligdisch
     P.O. Box 248
     Waxhaw, NC  28173
     
     Tel:  (704) 843-6047
     
     E-mail:  Glen_Deligdisch@SIL.ORG