<html> <body> At 06:11 PM 8/25/2006, pianotech-request@ptg.org wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">Hi Tom, For the hammer shank repair make a special tool to merasure the correct length to make the shank about 1/8" short. Use two wires about the length of the shank that is not in the butt or hammer head. To measure hold the wires together with thumb and finger while you have the butt installed on the rail. Place wire in butt and use hammer head to push wire down to the length you want the shank to be minus 1/8" yada yada. A great tool to have is the shank modified vise grips that clamp on the shank so that you can use the shank puller. If you are lucky you will be able to pull both stub ends without using the dry wall screw and torch. These you must have ready just in case. On the splice use plenty of wire and trim after you pull the knot tight. You are not being graded on how pretty the knot is but that it hold. On the upright action more points are lost on the damper regulation. After you get the damper lift where you want it, remove the action and look at the dampers from the back to see if they are lined up like you think they are <g> The timing may be great but you may have /  \ / Get a good night rest and relax.</blockquote> Tom, It may be too late now for you - but for the benefit of all those others reading I must emphasize: Do not try to learn new methods or use new tools on the exam - even if they might seem to be far superior to what you have been used to. Whatever you gain through the superiority of the new method (if any) you will lose through the lack of fluency or familiarity.  Use only tools that you are used to and methods with which you have practiced until fluent. You are much more prone to making mistakes and losing time when using unfamiliar methods or tools.  I have seen too many examinees make that mistake over the years - try the latest, greatest thing that they heard about from someone a week before the exam - only to find themselves swimming in uncharted waters with the clock running... Israel Stein </body> </html>