Spinet Hammer Butt Springs

[Tom Driscoll]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alan McCoy" <ahm at webband.com>
To: <joegarrett at earthlink.net>; "'Pianotech List'" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2006 3:09 AM
Subject: RE: Spinet Hammer Butt Springs


> Yes, leave the action in. One good trick for this job is to use a couple
> rods (each about 26-28 inches long with a small handle on one end) to hold
> the springs onto the rail. You thread the rod through each spring coil as
> you attach each spring on the rail.
>
> Alan
>
Alan,
    Good suggestion.
I've used a section of a heavy wire coat hanger doing one section at a time. 
Put the tails of the new springs through the holes in the rail.Thread the 
rod through the coils of the springs and clamp the rod to the rail with 
small spring clamps. This snugs the coils into the notch in the rail and 
keeps them aligned until the tails are wedged into the slots in the rail.The 
job goes quickly doing a section at a time.
    It's of course important to get the  remnants of the old springs out of 
the rail.
    When finished replace the spring rail felt and install .
    One more suggestion--- I've replaced the wood screws (which are a pain 
to get in and out-especially if the action is in the piano) with machine 
screws, washer,lock washer and nuts. Drill the hole through the rail and 
pick a screw that will pass through the action bracket and rail 
freely.Remember to replace any shims(front rail cardboard punchings usually) 
that were there before the rail came out.
    I think Joe G. recommended using a piece of weld rod  to hold the 
springs in place and I'll be trying that method on the next one----
    Tom Driscoll RPT