<html> <body> Back the screws off until the buttons drop off (into a short container). This is a good opportunity to reinforce the hammer rail (especially if the wippens are off as well) with long sheet rock screws.  If I haven't described this procedure on the list, I will do so with accompanying pix; it was part of a presentation for the RI Chapter last year. (jpg attached)  End of tangent To squarely install new buttons,  use hammer removing pliers to hold the button against the rail. Reverse the plunger bolt so that the head is supporting the button. The prongs which straddled the shank now will straddle the eyescrew. Use moderate pressure gripping the pliers and turn the screw in,. When the threads are in sufficiently the button will spin on the bolt head. That usually is enough. If you have further ambition to insure their tightness after all are installed, hold each button with your fingers and give the screw an eight to quarter turn. Regards, Jon Page </body> </html>