Broken tuning pins

[Tom Cole]

Richard

I don't think that driving the old pins through the bottom would help much in resizing the
hole and you would risk tearing out some of the bottom laminations.

A method that has worked for me involves modifying a rattail file to be used as a
reamer. After determining (or guessing) what amount of interference you need for the
multi-lam block, set your calipers to the appropriate diameter, run it up on the file until it
stops and mark the spot (masking tape or something). Then, using a grinder, reduce  the
diameter of the file above that (towards the tang) for about  1-1/2".  Leave another 1-1/2"
(to fit in your drill chuck), grind a notch and snap off the tang end. Grind another notch
about 3/4" below the reduced diameter area and snap off the tip.

If a test pin seems alittle loose, you can grind some off until the pin feels right. You now
have a custom-made reamer.

Tom Cole


Richard Anderson wrote:
>
> Speaking of broken tuning pins; I just broke one stringing a Baldwin L
> with 4/0s in the original multi-laminate block. It twisted off at the
> becket hole on the first crank.
>
> I'm restringing about a dozen Baldwin L's for a conservatory. They are
> all from the 1950's, about the time Baldwin switched to the multi-lam.
> style block. All the pianos with the old style block needed new blocks
> while all the pianos with the new multi-lam's could be repinned. This
> speaks well for the longevity of the the multi-lam's, but leads to two
> problems.
>
> First; Removing the old tuning pins from the multi-lam's is much more
> difficult the the old style blocks. I've discovered that using a
> pneumatic impact wrench to remove the pins works great. There is very
> little torque felt at the tool handle because of the impact action of
> the tool. Unlike electric drills which heat up and try to snap your
> wrists off, the impact wrench stays cool and can be held with one hand.
> This is great but creats problem #1. The impact wrench tears up the
> drive hole in the 3/8" drive star tip socket that is available from the
> supply houses. A 1/4" 8 point socket will fit the pin perfectly, but I
> haven't found a 1/4" 8 point impact socket at my usual sources. Anybody
> know where I can get a 1/4" 8 point impact socket?
>
> Second; I haven't found a satisfactory method to resize the holes in the
> multi-lam. blocks, hence the problem I had today. I know the best way to
> work the multi-lam. material is abrasion. I've tried the reamer made
> from a tuning pin, both by hand and in a drill press with only modest
> success. Does anyone know of a source for abrasive reamers of the proper
> size?
>
> Has anyone tried driving the old pins through the block (out the bottom)
> as a way of resizing the holes? This might remove the old pin and resize
> the hole in one operation. It could be done with a pneumatic hammer with
> the proper tip, and it shouldn't tear off the bottom of a multi-lam.
> block if the block is supported nearby. I'll have to experiment.
>
> Richard Anderson, RPT
> Elgin, IL
>
> .-

--
Thomas A. Cole, RPT
Santa Cruz, California