<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>In a message dated 2/12/02 2:54:14 PM Central Standard Time, chikring@midcoast.com writes:
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<BR><BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Dear list,</FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">
<BR></FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">I have been trying to remove some cracked key buttons from a Steinway M keys. I have 12 to replace. While trying to remove the old button with heat I could not seem to soften the old hide glue enough to pull the old button off without ruining the key under it. What is the best way to remove old key buttons without damaging the key?</FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">
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<BR></FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">Thanks,</FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">
<BR></FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">Arthur </FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0"></BLOCKQUOTE>
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<BR>Arthur
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<BR>It is actually easier to remove key buttons without heating them up. Hold on the to the key firmly, or put it in a vice, and using a pair of pliers, just snap it off, in a side ways motion. If anything, some of the button will remain on the key, which can be filed or sanded off.
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<BR>Wim
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