A vise grip. pw <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td width=40%>Matthew Todd <toddpianoworks@att.net> Sent by: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org 07/23/2008 02:44 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: Breaking a String</table> <table> <tr valign=top> <td> <td></table> </table> Can some of you share with me your method of keeping the string on the hitch pin and bridge pins while you bring up the tension?   Matthew Michael Magness <IFixPianos@yahoo.com> wrote: On Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 8:14 AM, Mike McCoy <<a href=mailto:mjmccoy@usa.com>mjmccoy@usa.com</a>> wrote: I have to disagree with "never". If you are on the wrong pin due to inexperience or lack of attention, then you did break the string and the customer should not pay to have it fixed. In my opinion of course. Mike McCoy Langhorne, PA. Leslie Bartlett wrote: Interesting. Several local techs, including one very conservatively religious say, "Never say I broke a string. Say instead that a string broke."   David Ilvedson wrote: Speaking of the wrong way...I wouldn't be breaking strings for practice in my primary piano.   Use an old piano...jig...whatever...   David Ilvedson, RPT Pacifica, CA 94044 <hr>Original message From: "Matthew Todd"   To: "Pianotech List"   Received: 7/22/2008 8:10:43 PM Subject: Re: Breaking a String In regards to No. 3, I remember when I was 15 I watched the piano tuner tune the piano in our church sanctuary.  On one note he was hitting, he had his hammer on a different pin, there was no pitch change, and did indeed break the string, so that was his fault.  He left me the bill, and I noticed he still charged for the string repair.  I will never forget that! I guess in a way it is good to see how some people do things the wrong way, so you know how not to do it! Matthew <tt>No virus found in this incoming message.  Checked by AVG - </tt><a href=http://www.avg.com/ target=_blank><tt>http://www.avg.com</tt></a><tt>   Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.4/1566 - Release Date: 7/22/2008 6:00 AM    </tt> I would have to agree with Mike, if a tech breaks a string due to "inattention"  or "lack of experience". I have, of course, had my hammer on the wrong pin on occasion but when I move the pin and detect NO CHANGE in pitch, I stop and check to see what's going on before I reach the point of breaking a string, I call it listening. <g>   I have to agree with Wim about the hammer shank as well, having done so after being careful not to, on a Yamaha C5, Twice!! I checked to make certain there were no hammers in the "up" position and began removing the action only to hear that snap at the treble end. I repaired it, found the initial problem, I thought and re-installed the action. The original problem was still there, again I checked, all hammers were at rest but when I removed the action, snap again, on further examination there was a piece of debris causing the key and therefor the hammer to lift as the action was sliding forward! Mike -- I feel sorry for the person who can't get genuinely excited about his work. Not only will he never be satisfied, but he will never achieve anything worthwhile. Walter Chrysler Michael Magness Magness Piano Service 608-786-4404 <a href=http://www.ifixpianos.com/>www.IFixPianos.com</a> email <a href=mailto:mike@ifixpianos.com>mike@ifixpianos.com</a>