Paul: Is it that the lead swells or that the wood in the key swells compressing the lead and forcing it out the side of the key? I think I would just shave it off. But if you want to remove them, Renner used to sell a set of key lead removing pliers. I bought one several years ago. I don't know if they are still available but they work very well. Otherwise, I would take a forstner bit a little larger than the leads you want to remove and drill a hole in a scrap block of wood approximately 4" long, 2" wide, 1" deep. Lay the key on the block with the lead over the hole. Make sure that the key lays flat on the block of wood, i.e. do not let the block span the angled part of the key. The block of wood will support the sides of the key around the lead as you tap it out into the hole. If the lead has been swedged on one side only, put that side down as it will be the wide side and you don't want to drive it through the key. Then use a wide punch and tap it out with a hammer. There should be no risk of breaking the key. David Love >From: Paul McCloud <smccloud@ix.netcom.com> >Reply-To: pianotech@ptg.org >To: Piano Tuning Guild <pianotech@ptg.org> >Subject: Replacing Key Leads >Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2001 19:35:43 -0800 > >I would like to know the best way to replace key leads. I have come >upon a Wurlitzer grand that has leads which have swelled and rub against >the neighbors. I don't want to shave them off, as I know they will just >continue to swell. I would like to know what sort of tools I would need >to remove the leads without breaking the keysticks. Thanks > Paul McCloud > San Diego > >-- >mailto:smccloud@ix.netcom.com > > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
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