Lubricating key pins without removing the keys: was RE: myths

[David Love]

There is a way to lubricate the key pins quickly and without removing the
keys.  Just slide the action out and stand it straight up with the back rail
resting on the key bed.  Using a hypo oiler put a drop or two of Protek
directly on the key pin.  It will wick up to the top of the key and provide
a nice and instant lubrication.  For the sharps you have to use the bombs
away method so good aim is required.  But once you get the hang of it a
couple of drops for each key is all it takes.  The entire action can be done
in about five minutes (or less), lubricate the knuckles with Teflon powder
(1 minute) and you're done.  

David Love
davidlovepianos at comcast.net 
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Farrell
Sent: Sunday, December 24, 2006 8:23 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: myths

No, I would lubricate the entire pin, from top to bottom. I'm not sure where

you are headed with your comment.

My point was to ask whether the technician made a common practice of 
removing all the keys to lubricate and including that service within his/her

normal "tuning fee". As Terry Peterson pointed out, if the standard tuning 
fee is high enough, then go for it if you feel that is providing optimal 
service. However, most technicians have a standard tuning fee that 
incorporates little more than a basic tuning (hey, I remove the fallboard on

grands and clear out the debris, etc., etc).

The point here is, for $75 or $100+ (depending on location) are you going to

do a good tuning AND remove the action from a grand and remove the stack and

remove the keys and lubricate and put it all back together for just your 
tuning fee?

Sorry, not me.

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Terry Farrell

----- Original Message -----
> If you were going to lubricate the keypins where do you think you would do

> that?   At the bottom of the key?
>
> David Ilvedson, RPT
> Pacifica, CA  94044
>
>
> ----- Original message ----------------------------------------
>>As in remove all the keys and lubricate keypins? No additional fee? You
>>can't be serious!
>
>>Terry Farrell
>
>>----- Original Message ----- 
>>> <<My standard tuning fee includes removing action and keys, cleaning out
>>> all
>>> debris, lubricating keypins, where required, and checking for foreign
>>> objects.
>>> Compliments of the season to all,
>>> Bruce Browning - The Piano Tuner.>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I hope your "standard tuning fee" is at least $250! My "standard tuning
>>> fee" consists of a "standard tuning."
>>>
>>> Terry Peterson
>