[CAUT] Concert grand casters

[Don Mannino]

Bill,

Yes, they can be serviced, but I'm not sure if the parts would be easily
obtained.

Please search the CAUT archive for an excellent set of instructions by
Jim Busby on the subject.  His was for eliminating slack / clunk noise
in the caster when locked, but will apply to fixing your casters as
well, I think.

When they don't tighten, in my experience it is because people are
UN-screwing them too far, and they have backed the brake screw out of
the knob a little.  It is not supposed to  turn in the knob, as there is
a locking set screw, and the threads can get messed up royally if people
turn them out aggressively.  As a result, the knob does not clamp down
against the caster properly when you lock the wheels.

When working properly, the knob should just be snugged down to keep the
piano stable.  When rolling the piano, there is no reason to unscrew the
knob all the way to the limit - you only have to loosen the brake a
little.

Don Mannino

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of
Bill Keller
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 7:01 PM
To: caut at ptg.org
Subject: [CAUT] Concert grand casters

Can anyone tell me if the large brass concert grand casters are
serviceable.
At Swarthmore College we have a S&S D with Hamburg Legs with these
casters.
I am being told by the Concert hall manager that the casters do not lock
tightly any more no matter how tightly you turn the brake knobs. Has
anyone experienced this symptom with this type caster? I do not see an
obvious way to get them apart for cleaning or repair. These are the ones
like the CRB-46B casters from the Pianotek cat. p A-42. Any suggestions
to avoid the costs of new casters would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for any responses.

Bill Keller