<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=ProgId content=Word.Document> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 9"> <meta name=Originator content="Microsoft Word 9"> <link rel=File-List href="cid:filelist.xml@01C6A9F3.0D618600"> <title>Message</title>  <style>  </style>  </head> <body bgcolor=white lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=blue style='tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=Section1> Geoff…………..Randy Potter has a good method described in his video “Intermediate Repairing Techniques”. If the bolt is stripped install “C” clamps on both sides of the bolt so the plate doesn’t move out and than drill out the hole so it goes completely out the back of the piano. You than install a bolt with nuts and washers and pull it up tight. I would think you would use stainless steel for the bolt and washers so they don’t rust.<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p> Ron Boyd<o:p></o:p> Milwaukee, Wi<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p> -----Original Message----- From: Geoff Sykes [mailto:thetuner@ivories52.com] Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 3:58 PM To: 'Pianotech List' Subject: RE: Plate bolt question <![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p> Robin --<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> I, too, use the screwdriver tips that fit into my tuning hammer. Very convenient. I have only been going after the hidden screws when I find that the accessible screws need more than just a nudge to tighten them up. And even then I've only gone for the ones that aren't totally hidden. Loosening the strings to get to those is something I just sort of didn't want to think about. Perhaps I should the next time I feel the need to get that aggressive.<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> I can honestly say I have never actually stripped one of these screws out. But I do find them stripped out occasionally. My first reaction when I find this is to wonder how anyone could actually strip out screws that are that big. And then I wonder if they might not have been stripped out at the factory level. I do find the occasional new piano with plate and action mounting screws stripped. Action mounting screws I can fix easily by gluing in a piece of wood, (NOT toothpicks). But, (see question 2), is that an acceptable way to repair stripped plate screws?<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> -- Geoff Sykes<o:p></o:p> -- Assoc. Los Angeles<o:p></o:p> -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Robin Blankenship Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 12:54 PM To: Pianotech List Subject: Re: Plate bolt question<o:p></o:p> Geoff,<o:p></o:p> I'm with David I. about that; don't sweat the understring ones....UNLESS you are noticing a tuning stability problem or unless you're finding the easy to reach ones obviously in need of a turn. In those cases, bite the bullet and loose just enough strings just enough to get the screwdriver onto the screw/bolt. More work up front but often less in the long run. I often use those big Phillips and flathead screwdriver tips that fit into the tuning hammer. I got for very snug, but not ridiculously so. No need to gratuitiously strip screws, LOL. <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> <![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p> </div> </body> </html>