Hi Doug, Why not have the hammers pre-hung for you. If it needs new hammers it probably could use new knuckles, and shanks, and flanges. Several places will pre-hang hammers for you, you only need to provide the proper samples. Won't be "perfect" or custom, but good enough given your situation. (Unless, of course, you just want to have fun hanging the hammers yourself.) Hope this helps. Good luck! John Piesik San Diego Chapter PTG JPIESIK@ARINC.COM Howdy to the List, I am new to the piano repair industry. I recently decided to replace a set of hammers on a grand piano because of excessive wear. Having never done this before, I am not sure about the fit of the hammer shank to the hole. From previous postings and other sources, it sounds like the fit should be "snug". Since I had not done this before I decided to have the Supply house drill the hammers. When I checked the hammer to shank fit, it felt too loose. The hammer shanks in the knurled ends measured .220" and the hammers were a snug slip fit on a .235 cylinder. This much clearance between parts seems to allow the hammer to rock excessively without glue, and the strike point would be difficult to control. I assume the hide glue will take up some of the difference, but since the fit is so loose to start with, will the glue joint be compromised? Do I send the hammers back, or am I missing something? So before I go any further, I need a volunteer and would be happy to donate 2-3 cents for comments and/or instructions... Thanks, doug drichard@qntm.com
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