Broken Agraffe

[A440A at aol.com]

Avery writes:

<<  I have information about the usual ways to remove 
a broken agraffe when it's broken flush with the plate.
My question is will the same method(s) work when it's broken down 
inside the hole? Any suggestions, cautions, etc.?  >>

Greetings,
     Be very, very, protective of the plate threads as you attempt to gain 
purchase on the broken stud.  If you damage the threads, the agraffe won't want 
to turn through them, and things get very sticky.  A small piece of brass or 
copper thin-wall tubing,(usually found in many sizes at hobby stores), can be 
inserted if you are going to use a drill for the E-Z out.  That will usually 
protect the threads well enough.   
   I think the first thing I would do would be put a drop or two of Liquid 
wrench in the hole to help overcome any galling tendancies, (of which I have 
been told I have plenty), then I would gently hammer a sharp, fish-tailed blade 
into the top of the stud and begin working it back and forth until it was 
turning freely before trying to screw it all the way out.  
      You may find that you can get to the bottom of the stud from 
underneath, that is sometimes a viable way of dealing with it.  

         Otherwise, center punch the exact center of the stud, say your 
prayers, and drill it to accept an E-Z out or similar extractor.  There is rarely 
any need for much force in this repair, and the gently nudging will usually 
begin some progress. 
Good luck, these repairs are always so exciting!!!


Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html