I wouldn't bother referring them to anyone. Hinges are simply not designed to support a load in that position. Not even piano hinges. If they insist they have to always have it open in that configuration, you or a carpenter should design a proper means of stiffening the joint so as to relieve the stresses from the hinge. If they (the owner(s)) disagree, then challenge them to prop the lid open the way they like it and hang/pull on the closed front. Be sure to be standing a ways back so they don't fall into you when the hinge/screws fail(s). (I'm kidding... don't even suggest that because some people will do it... and then make you fix it... and charge you for the hospital bill.) Think about it. Would you remove the stop from your bathroom door and then move the door beyond its closed position? No. That kind of leverage would rip the screws right out. Ever noticed how a hydraulic storm door closer typically has a safety chain/spring to prevent the door from leveraging its bracket out when you open the door all the way? Paul Bruesch Stillwater, MN <div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:05:01, Don <<a href="mailto:pianotuna@accesscomm.ca">pianotuna@accesscomm.ca</a>> wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"> Hi Carmen, I would refer them to the manufacturer of the instrument, or the store they purchased it from, and would suggest that it may overstress the tiny wood screws. If they choose to do it anyway then you can be happy to repair it for them at some future date. At 12:16 PM 1/7/2008 -0800, you wrote: > > My colleagues,              if they ask me whether the front lid IS or  IS >NOT designed to tolerate that configuration?           -piano >manufacturers- or factory reps as to whether the front lid  was -designed- >to be extended when the main  lid is propped up.   Carman Gentile RPT Regards, Don Rose, B.Mus., A.M.U.S., A.MUS., R.P.T. Non calor sed umor est qui nobis incommodat mailto:<a href="mailto:pianotuna@yahoo.com">pianotuna@yahoo.com</a>      <a href="http://us.geocities.com/drpt1948/" target="_blank">http://us.geocities.com/drpt1948/</a> 3004 Grant Rd. REGINA, SK, S4S 5G7 306-539-0716 or 1-888-29t-uner </blockquote></div>