You're right about the leather, although mine are still in great shape.  It was the clamp nuts that weren't tightened down, so when the set was in the middle of the turn-over, they all went flying! Plastic keytops and no damage, thank God. Paul <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td width=40%><pianolady50@peoplepc.com> Sent by: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org 05/27/2008 05:53 PM <table border> <tr valign=top> <td bgcolor=white> <div align=center>Please respond to Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org></div></table> <td width=59%> <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>To</div> <td>"Pianotech List" <pianotech@ptg.org> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>cc</div> <td> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>Subject</div> <td>Re: 88 key pick-up! (well just 44)</table> <table> <tr valign=top> <td> <td></table> </table> Bill's clamps are wonderful!  However, do use some caution when carrying keys by the clamp handles.     First, speaking of the original wood clamps with leather handles.  With age and usage the leather does rot.  Not fun when the tech was carrying a set of clamped keys in to my shop for keybushing.  One handle broke and sent a half set of perfect, white ivories down to the cement driveway.  'Head' first, of course.  Major repairs ensued.   So...I thought the aluminum with the nylon handles were a fantastic improvement.  Until flipping a set on the bench and one of the handle attaching screws pulled through the nylon handle!  The hole in the nylon had enlarged.   Now I've modified the handles with the addition of fender washers between the screw heads and the handles.  All's well so far.   Best bet, frequently inspect for wear.   Debbie Legg     ----- Original Message ----- From: <a href=mailto:pwilliams4@unlnotes.unl.edu>Paul T Williams</a> To: <a href=mailto:pianotech@ptg.org>Pianotech List</a> ; <a href=mailto:caut@ptg.org>caut@ptg.org</a> Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 4:01 PM Subject: Re: 88 key pick-up! (well just 44) Hi all, I'm sure many of you have done this, but I just had my first encounter with not tightening down my Spurlock key clamp.  I picked up the strap to turn them over on the bench and .... well I've got something to do for a little while now.  must go crawl around the shop floor for awhile! PTW