[David ilvedson]

Usually it's the butt plates that have the problem because they 
wedged up on the pin and tightened with a screw that puts 
pressure on the plate above the gap between it and the brass 
rail.  It isn't to bad a job to just replace all the 
plates...remove all dampers!  The new rails from Schaff take 
some work as they are never exactly like the original, although 
pretty darn close.  

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA


To:            pianotech@ptg.org
From:          "James Dally" <jdally@knox.net>
Subject:       Re: 
Date:          Sat, 13 Jun 98 21:22:28 PDT
Reply-to:      pianotech@ptg.org

Hello and thanks for the reply.  I have taken some dampers off to study the
rail condition.  It doesn't show any signs of deterioration.  I was
originally putting on a minimum amount of torque but (frustrated) I really
tightened down on the screws.  Several moved quite a bit past where they
were.  I hope the rail didn't give or the butts.  I do know that Schafff
sells the new rails.  $90 each section.  I may have to invest.  Many
thanks.  Jim Dally

----------
> James,
> 
> Is it the butt plates that are breaking or the rail itself? If it is
chronic
> you may just have a case where the brass  has  "crystallized". I don't
know if
> this is a legitimate technical term for it but I don't know any other way
to
> explain it except that the brass has changed it's molecular structure and
has
> weakened. Or somewhere another tech has over-tightened the screws
weakening
> the
> brass. If it is the rail you may have to have the brass rail duplicated. I
> don't know who does this anymore-anyone else???
> 
> You might also be able to get by with the brass rail flange/plate repair
clips
> sold by Apsco or Schaff. They have proven indispensable for me many
times. I
> keep a couple dozen of the different types in my parts bin at all times.
Good
> Luck.
> 
> BTW, maybe someone can explain why stainless steel has not been used in
this
> type of application (I haven't seen it used anyways) besides being more
costly
> than brass, perhaps??? Del?? any others??
> 
> Regards,
> Greg Torres
> 
> James Dally wrote:
> 
> > I installed new butts and hammers on a Kroehler upright.  I have checked
> > the brass rail and the brass butts where the screw goes in.  This is the
> > type where the screw goes through the rail and then the brass butt
receives
> > the threaded screw.  The butts have been replaced where hammers have
> > loosened but the problem continues.  When it seems I have solved the
> > problem, another hammer loosens.  As near as I can tell the rail is not
> > cracked.  If anyone has had experience with this problem I will
certainly
> > appreciate advice.  Jim Dally
> 
>