<html> <body> Well, if it needs new hammers, it also needs new knuckles which means why would would you bother? Just go ahead and replace the shanks/flanges with the new hammers and be done with it! JMO! Avery At 02:47 PM 1/4/2007, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">I snip old hammers off with a pair of sidecutter -- sturdy, like an electrician would use, not an electronics person. Usually just splitting the tail is enough. Alan Barnard Salem, MO Joshua 24:15 <hr> Original message From: "William Benjamin" To: "Pianotech List" Received: 01/04/2007 2:31:41 PM Subject: Regluing hammer felts continued Greetings list,   As some of you might suspect, my hammer regluing job was a bust.  Called the customer and told them that it does need new hammers.  When I would CA glue the separated side of the hammer, the other side would come loose in my hands and with the glue on one side, they became too stiff to work with with any good results.   Now my question:  Are there any pliers to split the heads off the shanks that are better than others.  I have done many grand sets, but you know there is a difference.  I have only done one vertical set retaining the old shanks at the Piano Hospital, where they had a dandy tool for that purpose.  If there is more than one kind of pliers, what are the opinions of which one works best.   Yes I have egg on my face, but as grumpy Joe can tell you, I will work until I get it right.  I was once told that if the only ones that could play piano were those that could afford Steinways: the world would have missed out on many good musicians.  I would stoop to regluing hammers if I could help some one, but when it is not possible, then I am willing to take the high ground and replace the entire set.   William           PIANO BOUTIQUE William Benjamin Piano Tuner Extraordinaire <a href="http://www.pianoboutique.biz/">www.pianoboutique.biz</a> The tuner alone, preserves the tone.    </blockquote></body> </html>