If you're worried about contamination, just wear some cotton gloves. I just use my fingers and you'll get a feel for where the bird's eye is.  Just takes a few times to get the hang of it Paul <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td width=40%>"William Monroe" <pianotech@a440piano.net> Sent by: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org 08/14/2008 07:44 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: Center Pin</table> <table> <tr valign=top> <td> <td></table> </table> OK, reasonable enough assumption, I suppose.  Hadn't considered the contamination issue.  With that in mind I'd probably try just needle nose pliers first.  I'd think the endless locking and unlocking of the vise-grips would become tiresome.   William R. Monroe SNIP   At some point someone harped about how the oil from your skin could get on the pin and possibly cause malfunction in the future.  This fellow always pinned with a small set of vise-grips.   SNIP Shawn Brock, RPT What is the best way to hold a center pin while you get it started to push it through the hole?   Matthew