<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <HTML><HEAD><TITLE>Re: Grand Touch</TITLE> <META content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" = http-equiv=Content-Type> <META content="MSHTML 5.00.2314.1000" name=GENERATOR> <STYLE></STYLE> </HEAD> <BODY bgColor=#ffffff> <DIV><FONT size=2>Removing grand backcheck wires by the method of = locking small vise grips onto the wire then pulling the wire out with an upright = hammer head/butt extractor always seemed awkward to me.  I hit upon a much = simpler method that takes about 20 minutes to remove a complete set of wires = with the backchecks still on the wires, and the keys still on the = frame.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=2>The procedure is as follows:</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=2>First remove the action stack and position the key = frame on the bench so the backchecks are closest to you.  Starting at on = end, place your free hand on the balance rail section of the key to prevent it from = riding up, then, using a pair of end-cutting nippers ( I use Craftsman 7" = #45326), grab the wire at the base where it protrudes from the key.  Nipper = should be vertical with jaws resting on key.  Roll the nipper towards you = about 1/2" (in direction of the angle of the backcheck wire).  Then position = the nippers to the starting point and repeat.  It takes about 8 to 10 <U><STRONG>slight </STRONG></U>rolls to remove the wire.  This = method doesn't require a lot of force.  The cam action of the jaws and the = leverage of the 7" tool are doing all the work.  This is a gentle = rolling motion, so there shouldn't be any undue pressure on the key around the = wire or the balance rail hole.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=2>Have fun.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=2>Doug Mahard, Associate</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV></BODY></HTML>