<HTML style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; FONT-FAMILY: MS Sans Serif"><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1251"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.5730.11" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <P> <DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>Hello Technicians. I was working on a Yamaha console this morning, </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>replacing three hammer butt flanges whose string spring catch had </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>snapped. When I was replacing one of the hammer butt flanges into the </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>aluminum rail, the original screw did not screw in easily. In fact, </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>no matter how I tried to insert the screw, I could not get the </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>hammer butt flange to tighten. The screw itself does seem to be </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>slightly bent. Do have any experiences with his type of problems with </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>aluminum rails?</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>Thanks</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>Jim,</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>The last time I did some work on a Yammie, I stumbled on a surefire method. Use a light weight cordless screwdriver, (mine is an AKG single speed w/torque adjustor). Because Yammie rail screws are Bi, (slot or phillips), I was using a phillips bit about 4" long to remove/insert the screws. I found that, if you run the screw backwards a few revolutions and then forward, the screw will slightly bevel the hole and allow the screw to self-align! A true epiphany !!! IMO. Try it, you'll like it. Of course a sensitive feel of the tool is part of the equation.<G></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Regards,</FONT></DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Joe Garrett, R.P.T.</DIV> <DIV>Captain of the Tool Police</DIV> <DIV>Squares R I</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <P></P></BODY></HTML>