Balance Rail Pin Replacement

[Newton Hunt]

Hi, John,

Balance rail pin replacement is straight forward.  Measure the length of
one by pulling it out with vise grips and it's diameter.  Order a set of
replacements from the supply houses.

Standard pin measurements are .147, .165 and european and Asian pianos
measure .127 or .137.  If the pins measure .145 just order 147s.

Get a general idea of their angle to the key bed so you can duplicate
that angle, measure the height above the balance rail and the height
abnove the key bushings.  If they are buried below the buttons you may
wish to leave them a little higher if there is enough in the rail to
support the pin properly.

After replacing the keys you will have to bend the pins left or right so
the tops of the keys are horizontal.

You should likely need to replace the punchings as well.  Check them for
hardness, contaminates, etc.

Check the condition of the front rail pins also, key may have been used
like a fire hydrant as well.

The key that has been chewed I would cut at a / and glue on new wood and
cut to fit with the rest of the keys.

I am sure there is more work to be done on the piano than these little
jobs so keep up informed about it progress.

	Newton
	nhunt@jagat.com