Drilling for oversize Tuning Pins

[David Love]

I have gone from a #2 to a #3 when restringing on many occasions when the #2
wasn't really too loose, but certainly you couldn't pull them and reinsert
them.  When going to a #3 it always seems that there are a few #4's needed,
especially in the bass.  I really don't like using a #5 pin because of the
way it tunes, so if it looks like I have to jump to a #4, budget permitting,
I like to replace the block.  Of course now you can use Paul Larudee's pin
which keeps the top where the string is wound at a #2 size while increasing
the lower part of the pin that goes into the block to a #3 1/2.  A nice
compromise of larger pin for the block while keeping the tuning diameter at
the original dimension.

David Love


----- Original Message -----
From: "Joseph Garrett" <joegarrett@earthlink.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: May 14, 2002 11:29 PM
Subject: Drilling for oversize Tuning Pins


> According to my Statistics Sheet, the drill sizes that can be used are:
> 6.8mm (.26772"), 6.9mm (.27165"), "I" .272", 7mm (.27559") & "J" (.277).
> Since a 2/0 pin is already .282" in diameter the hole is already too large
> for a good fitting 3/0 tuning pin. Usually the reason for going to a
larger
> pin is because the original 2/0 is too loose. So, you truly will have to
go
> to a 4/0 pin to have an acceptable/consistant torque reading throughout.
IMO
> .010" under the size of the pin is about minimum drilling for an olde
block.
> Regards,
> Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon)
> P.S. If anyone wants a copy of my Statistics Sheet, (spec. sheet), I'll be
> happy to mail or fax one to you.
>
>