I used to spend lot of time trying to clean corroded key pins. Now, (as others have said) I simply replace them if they are bad enough. Pins are relatively cheap and an easy way to get them out of the frame is to grab the old pin with a small vise grip then use an "O" ring plier to pry the pin out. Use a small piece of wood to avoid scratching or dimpling the frame. I can replace in about the same amoount of time as polishing a set. For polishing faily new pins I use Flitz but have recently found a new polish called "MAAS". The Flitz comes in about $10 a tube or small bottle , while the Maas was found at Wal Mart for $3. I've also used Peak polish in the past. Check marine hardware stores for lots of good options. Phil Romano Myrtle Beach, SC ----- Original Message ----- From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com> To: <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2001 8:59 AM Subject: Re: Protek & Teflon > > Using a real fine metal polish (Brasso is far too > > crude) the metal can be polished...... > > I'm not familiar with "Brasso". The woman that does my key bushings also > will "clean the key pins". She uses #0000 steel wool. That leaves the pins > clean, but visibly dulled. I have always figured this to be a bad thing, as > the roughened surface would be of greater friction than a super-smooth > surface, and also dramatically increase surface area and thus increase the > rate of future corrosion. I have always taken a metal polish to them after I > get them back and polished them. She says the steel wool is the way to go. I > have my doubts about it being the BEST way to go. Can I assume you agree > with me? > > Terry Farrell > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Newton Hunt" <nhunt@optonline.net> > To: <pianotech@ptg.org> > Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2001 11:05 PM > Subject: Re: Protek & Teflon > > > > > I use drafting tape, > > > > Hi Kevin, > > > > Gee, I forgot about drafting tape. Many tape makers try to get the > stickiest > > stuff they can get or make. Of of those glues are stronger than the > substrate > > they are applied to. Drafting tape on the other hand is designed to hold > the > > paper in one place but the tape will come off without tearing the paper or > > leaving some of itself behind. Good stuff for weak or temporary stickum. > > > > One of the problems with key pins is that they corrode. Not much and not > > visibly but corrode they do. Using a real fine metal polish (Brasso is > far too > > crude) the metal can be polished THEN lubricated along with the felt and > the > > bushings will last much longer. It is the polishing that helps the most > and a > > good coating of a good lubricant will help prevent future corrosion. > > > > Any time you can rub the pin with the key bushing (apply sideways > pressure) and > > get drag it is a corrosion problem. Don't believe your eyes, believe your > > fingers. > > > > Have a good week all. > > > > Newton >
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