Removing grand plate

[Ron Nossaman]

>Dear List,
>
>I need to remove a plate for some work to be done and need to purchase the
>equipment to do so.  I can purchase a 3 ton chain hoist (overdone perhaps,
>but only $99 CDN).  My shop has steel beams which I can put a chain over to
>attach this to.  What would you recommend to attach from the hoist to the
>plate and any safety precautions I need to take.
>
>Paul Plumb, B.Mus., PTG Associate
>Plumb Pianos
>

I have an OLD 1 ton, and a much newer 2 ton, both bought at garage sales for
about $65 total. I use both at once with 7 and 9 foot pianos for more
stability and control. Being a one man operation, this does wonders for my
peace of mind. I use three lengths of seat belt strap looped through holes,
around struts, and over the hoist hook for a single hoist, and two lengths
each for a two hoist lift. You have to do a little trial and error juggling
to find the balance point (much easier for the two hoist setup), so you
might consider using actual seat belt buckles for the easy adjustments. I
have tried them, but I'm just as happy with a square knot in each strap.
Even the weight of a big plate doesn't pull the knot tight enough that you
can't wiggle it loose easily with the nylon webbing. Also, cut your chain,
the little one you pull, not the big lift chain, so the loop will just clear
the plate when the plate just clears the case. That way, you won't be
dragging chain across the plate, soundboard, and case sides when you lift.   

Re safety: No more than one attach point from the hook to the plate per
strap. In other words, don't thread one long strap from the hook to the
plate three times. It will slide and when the load balance changes enough,
you'll lose it. Do hook to plate and back to tie with multiple individual
straps. Don't lift until you are SURE it's solid, then check it again before
you go. Don't lift it higher than necessary to do the job. Especially with a
3 ton hoist. You'll pull what feels like a mile and a half of chain each way
since it's geared so low. I'd rather have two newer one ton's than what I
have for this reason. Don't leave it in the air any longer than necessary.
It probably isn't in danger of dropping, but there are a lot of scalp hungry
sharp edges under there.

That's all I can think of right now. Someone else will probably have more.

 Ron