pulley keys

[BSHARPTUNE@AOL.COM]

Hi Keith, 
Balance rail bushing: If you've got wood missing at the balance rail hole in 
the key button, you'll most likely need to replace those....unless, you can 
find the wood chips under the keys, and re-glue.  For those key buttons that 
are intact, but the balance rail bushing is loose, a key bushing tightener 
punch often works.  The trick is to be very careful using this tool.  It is 
all too easy to splinter a key button with it from hammering too hard.
Balance rail hole: If you've got a pulley key, the fastest and easiest way to 
fix this problem is using a 1/2" hole reducing punch.  They come is different 
sizes, but the 1/2" works best for me.  In case you are not familiar with 
this tool, it is a steel ball bearing with an 1/4"x4" steel handle attached.  
You remove the key, invert it, support it, place the ball bearing over the 
hole, lightly tap with a light weight hammer, and the hole size is reduced.  
I get these from Micromart (1-800-225-1066).  Incidentally, this company is a 
good source for various "micro tools" that can be used in our trade.  In a 
pinch I guess you could go locally to a place that sells ball bearings, and 
buy the 1/2".  You might try epoxying a hammer shank to it.  Anyway,  because 
this method is so fast, I would go to the trouble of obtaining the bearing 
before I tried to glue size, or veneer the balance rail holes, unless there 
were very few to do.
Front rail bushings: Make sure they are all there.  Replace any that are 
missing.  If you have play in the front rail bushings, experiment with 
turning the front rail pins.  Because they are "oval",  you can turn them a 
little at a time, to find the optimum position between taking the side play 
out, and not increasing friction as the key is depressed. 

Best of luck!
Devlon