[pianotech] Dales hitch pin clearance

[Ron Nossaman]

On 7/2/2011 1:19 PM, Dale Probst wrote:
> Hi Dale,
> Sorry, here's the deal: hitch pin next to treble strut broke flush with
> plate on second chip session. Drove the remnant through plate but there
> is insufficient clearance between the bottom of the plate and the top of
> the soundboard for the the remnant of the hitch pin to clear. I'd like
> to get that remnant out with out pulling the plate if possible- piano is
> strung and chipped. And ideas?

Sure. drill down into the recessed hitch, centered and angled as near 
perfectly as you can manage with a small center drill. Drill 
progressively larger holes down through the center of the pin to just 
below the surface of the plate. Eventually, you'll get the wall thin 
enough to break the pin off from underneath with something (or from the 
top with a smaller punch used as a pry bar), and chase the remainder out 
with either a punch or another drill. Deep knurl the replacement pin 
with side cutters or hammering it slightly oval, and drive it into the 
hole with maybe a little JB Weld for the evil spirits. Or plug the old 
hole, drill a new, and touch up the finish.

Next time, dress up the surface of the old pin and just drill a new hole 
in the first place, then touch up the finish.

  I can't help but wonder why you posted this here on the abandoned list 
instead of the new improved "brought to you by dedicated volunteers so 
shut up and embrace it" Higher Offense site. Is this the proper venue, 
or is it perhaps because there are still people here who might hand you 
an easy answer, presuming they're still willing? If you want things to 
be better, I suggest you make a commitment. Get out there in the shop 
and spend your time to figure it out, then you can volunteer the 
information to us. That's what I usually do. I detect a lack of 
conviction and consistency here.
Ron N