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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>If I'm understanding what you are saying, the hole
is not stripped but rather you simply can't get the screw started in
the hole. I would do the following in this order:</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>1. Look closely at the screw. If the
threads are damaged try running an appropriate size nut on it and
perhaps you can clean up the threads. If the screw is slightly bent as
you suspect I would not take a chance. Get another screw. I'm not
certain of the size but it is probably fine thread metric. Well
stocked hardware stores often have those cute little "miscellaneous over priced
thingy" drawers with metric screws.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2. There is a good chance the rail hole
is damaged. If a new screw won't work either DO
NOT try to force it. Purchase an appropriate size thread tap and
carefully re-tap the hole. If this is done carefully the hole will
probably be salvageable. You may want to put a drop of light oil in
the hole before tapping. If the is beyond repair for that
particular size screw you might try re-tapping it for the next
size larger screw so long as it will fit through the flange
hole.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>3. Absolute worst case scenario you could use
a coarse thread sheet metal screw. If the hole is sized correctly it will
cut it's own threads and should be tight. This is much more drastic so I
would try re-tapping as described above before considering this.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Rob Goodale, RPT</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Las Vegas, NV</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV>Hello Technicians. I was working on a Yamaha console this morning,
replacing three hammer butt flanges whose string spring catch had snapped.
When I was replacing one of the hammer butt flanges into the aluminum rail,
the original screw did not screw in easily. In fact, no matter how I tried to
insert the screw, I could not get the hammer butt flange to tighten. The screw
itself does seem to be slightly bent. Do have any experiences with his type of
problems with aluminum rails?</DIV>
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<DIV>Thanks<BR>
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<DIV>Jim Keaney</DIV></SPAN></DIV></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>