<html> At 07:03 PM 11/01/2001 -0500, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite cite>In a message dated 11/1/01 5:35:58 PM Central Standard Time, draine@mediaone.net writes: <blockquote type=cite cite>What is the optimal approach to easing/resizing tight damper guide bushings? I've got a call-back on a rebuilt Steinway tomorrow. It was rebuilt 10 years ago, and the tuning I did last month was its *first* since then. A few drops of Protek got the stuck damper wires moving during the pitch raise/tuning, but they have since seized up again. While I'm familiar with *various* methods, I'd like to hear what works best, in the least amount of time ( i.e. sticking bridge pins in while soaking the felt with alcohol isn't *fast*). Patrick </blockquote></blockquote> Fashion an umbrella stave to make an easing tool. Force fit one end into a hole drilled into a short length of dowel. File the other end into a point and crimp the leading edge slightly, this will avoid pushing the bushing out while inserting. the stave will insert around the wire, ease in a sidewards direction first; back and front sides of the damper wire so as not to stress the thin rail (don't want to break it ! ). Ease front-to-back if needed.   This usually works unless the new bushing cloth was cut too wide is is overlapping, then you are looking at a non-quick fix. I have this tool without the handle to take up less space on my tool pallet. Regards, Jon Page,   piano technician Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass. <a href="mailto:jonpage@mediaone.net" eudora="autourl">mailto:</a>jonpage<a href="mailto:jonpage@mediaone.net" eudora="autourl">@mediaone.net</a> <a href="http://www.stanwoodpiano.com/" eudora="autourl">http://www.stanwoodpiano.com</a> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</html>