[pianotech] Square Grand Damper Lift Wires

[Ron Nossaman]

On 12/9/2012 10:22 AM, Terry Farrell wrote:
> I'm rebuilding an 1867 S&S square grand. It is missing several damper
> lift wire assemblies. I'm good with all the items that are screwed
> onto the wire, but the wire itself is something that I'm not sure of
> the best way to reproduce. The exact size wire is not available at
> the local hardware store, but I'm sure I can find it somewhere
> (0.068" - ACE has 0.060" and 0.078"). But I would also need to find a
> very small die to make the threads on the end of the wire (and inch
> or two of one end is threaded). Again, the hardware stores don't have
> such small diameter dies, but I'm sure I can find them online.


1.7mm (0.067")
http://www.victornet.com/report/Dies-Metric-up-to-10-MM-/151.html
Copper coated mild steel welding rod is available in 1/16", which ought 
to be close enough.


> I'm hoping for an easier solution. Any ideas? Anyone have an old
> spinet lying around that has the drop wires from the key ends to the
> wippens? If so, would you do me a huge favor and measure the diameter
> of the wire and how long they are? I'm thinking that these spinet
> drop wires might just do the job.

Mine are 8" long and measure 0.098", about like the coat hangers I have 
handy, with a rolled thread of 0.117". Good thought, but too big.

Maybe Joe's got real replacements.
Ron N