[pianotech] broken let-off screw in a steinway grand

[Joseph Garrett]

Wesley asked: "When the letoff screw in a Steinway grand breaks at the
top,what is the
safest way of removing the remainder of the screw without having to drill
the broken part out in order to replace with a new letoff screw?"
 
Wesley,
I would suggest: 1. remove the wood/felt button by unscrewing it. (the
screw stem is held tight so it is easily done with a set of capstan pliers.
2. Once the button is off, heat up the screw stem at the bottom with a
small soldering iron, (15-20 watts). Try not to over heat it. Get it hot
enough to make it expand. Allow to cool. 3. Grab the screw stem with needle
nose vise grips. Move the stem both directions in small increments,
increasing as you feel it get looser. Once it loosens up you can just
unscrew it. 4. The new screw may be a bit too loose, so size it with
glue/epoxy. Make sure to work it enough to keep it loose enough to allow it
to be turned for adjustments.<G>
Hope that helps,
Joe 

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