jack springs in drop action

[Dave Nereson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Alpha88x@aol.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2004 8:58 AM
Subject: jack springs in drop action


> Greetings,
>
>             I was called to tune a Kimball spinet player piano the other
day
> on which a few (6) of the keys didnt work, only to find out that the jacks
on
> these 6 keys were not returning all the way under the butt. This prevents
the
> jack from delivering power the hammer.
>
>              At first I thought the jack's center pin bushings were tight
and
> swollen, then I saw the jack springs looked like they could use replacing.
Is
> anyone familiar with this type of piano?
>
>               Also, if the springs need replacing, is there a special tool
or
> tweezer to reach back in there (drop action) to replace the spring?  Am I
in
> for alot of labor here or what? Now I am thinking rehaps just a touch of a
> lubricant on the hammer's butt leather will do the trick. I didnt try
that. Any
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> Julia Gottchall,
> Reading, PA
>

    If it's only six, reach in with a hemostat, yank 'em out and put new
ones.  (Can't remember if the player action is in the way).  But I don't
think lubricant on the butt leather is a good idea.   The graphite or
Emralon or whatever's on the jacks should be all they need; if they don't
return under the butts, something else is wrong.  Could be tight pinning
(wippen flanges, lifter wire flanges), not enough lost motion, worn key
bushings (keys not returning all the way up) . . . .   -- David Nereson, RPT