[pianotech] screwing around - literally

[Paul T Williams]

Steinway plate bolts are $8 a piece. Not sure of the screw price (around 
the tuning pins).  Is that cheaper still than replating?

Just wondering....

Paul




From:
"Joseph Garrett" <joegarrett at earthlink.net>
To:
"pianotech" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Date:
12/14/2010 01:28 PM
Subject:
Re: [pianotech] screwing around - literally



Donn, (with two n's<G>), said:
 "How does one go about rehab-ing screw heads? In particular:
1 - Removing burrs and polishing the face to leave a flat surface
2. Cleaning or re-cutting the slot. In fact, what kind of tool is used to 
cut the slot in the first place?
3. Has anyone experimenting with using DIY chrome plating kits?
Thanks for the help.
 
Donn,
Removing burrs, etc., can be done with a fine file. The original "slot" 
was cut with a Slot Cutter, which is the reason why the bottom of the 
"slot" is curved and tends to promote screwdrivers failure to function 
properly.<G> I like to clean out the "slots" with a hacksaw. This 
accomplishes two things: 1. Slightly deepens the slot. 2. flattens the 
bottom of the slot. As far as polishing the screws, I use  buffing wheels 
with appropriate buffing compounds. Then, I clean them, thoroughly with 
lacquer thinner. Then, I get out my trusty Gun Bluing Kit, follow the 
directions and BLUE them puppies! If you want to plate them, it's cheaper 
to just buy new ones, already plated!<G> (if you can find them.) Since 
APSCO bit the dust, the screw situation is difficult, IMHO.
Joe
 
Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I
 

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