[pianotech] screwing around - literally

[Joseph Garrett]

Paul,
Those are not "screws". They are "lag bolts".<G> For those, I prefer to replate. For most of the "plate screws" it is a tossup which is more economical.  However, why would you want to do things "cheaper"? Of course, the client will dictate how much they are willing to expend. That's the way it is, ....so, we are obligated to try to cut a few corners. Should not be that way, but that's the realities in my little corner of the world.<G>
Joe

Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Paul T Williams 
To: joegarrett at earthlink.net;pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: 12/14/2010 1:12:42 PM 
Subject: Re: [pianotech] screwing around - literally


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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