Tuning Hammer Tips

[Jim_Harvey@yca.ccmail.compuserve.com]

Sy, it may have been me that recommend a #3 tip, during one of my tool
classes. At least, I'm certainly among those who would say such a
thing, at least at the time. I began that program (and endorsement of
#3 tips) in 1976.

There are many variables that enter into this discussion;

. the amount of tunings done by a given tuner across a day, week,
year, and so on.

. the technique used by said tuner; some use impact method
exclusively, others rest-arm or finger/thumb techniques, or
combinations thereof. Each will contribute to wear characteristics of
the tip.

. the type of pianos tuned -- old versus new(er) versus reconditioned
with oversized pins.

. new tips versus the old, Hale-quality tips;

There are other factors that must be considered. For example,
manufacturers went through a spell of changing pin sizes instead of
drilling blocks differently to get a tighter fit in the pinblock.

The pins themselves have not historically been benchmarks, even those
out of the same box!

There have been bad batches of tuning tips due to bad or incorrect
broaches used in making the star pattern. I think Francis Mehaffey ran
across such a 'batch' when ordering quantities to install on his
impact hammers. Particularly, the taper is often incorrect. This means
that while the tip may intially "fit" the tuning pin, the internal
angle takes off too fast. They lack enough depth to get a proper fit,
and if used, will tend to burr or round off the tops of tuning pins.

Most machinists are not tuners; if it looks right, they'll make a
hundred or so, and someone will buy them.

There may have been standards for #2, #3, etc., at one time. I'm not
confident those standards still exist.

I could ramble on, but you get the idea. Just squeak to APSCO for
another tip -- perhaps one from the BACK of the parts bin instead of
the front...?

Jim Harvey
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Tuning hammer tips wear out after a couple years or so. I have received a
new No. 2 hammer tip for a Hale hammer from Am. Piano Supply (APSCO). It
just seemed like it didn't fit deep enough on the tuning pin for a No. 2. On
a very tight pin it seemed like the tuning pin might even break. So I
ordered a No. 3. Guess what? The No. 3 is actually smaller than the No. 2.
So now I have two new tips and can't use either.

At one of the conventions years ago someone suggested using No. 3  for most
tunings. Some tuners I guess change tips for each particular piano. I tried
this once but found it difficult. I'd rather have two hammers but then I'm
not willing to carry both in my kit. Naturally if the piano has  larger
tuning pins than No. 2 a larger tip is necessary.