Center Pin Lube

[Leslie W Bartlett]

I'd like to see this discussed on the open list-
	my bias, of course

les bartlett
houston

On Sun, 15 Aug 1999 12:54:33 -0400 "Robin Blankenship"
<itune@new-quest.net> writes:
>Ted,
>A colleague of mine uses starter fluid (ether) to initially freeup 
>stubborn
>centers. Then follows up with Protek. Without the second step, the
>sluggishness returns.  If you will email me privately, I would be 
>happy to
>go into greater detail.
>Robin
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Ted Simmons <ted@brevard.net>
>To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
>Sent: Sunday, August 15, 1999 12:27 PM
>Subject: Center Pin Lube
>
>
>>On Friday morning our local newspaper had a Quick Fix hint that 
>stirred my
>>curiosity.  It said "To remove sticky substances, even gum, from 
>carpet or
>>fabric, use brake cleaner.  It is the same chemical dry cleaners use. 
> This
>>is also great for removing auto grease from carpet or clothing."  I
>>wondered if it would work on sluggish center pins.  So I bought an 
>aerosol
>>can of it to experiment with.  I have 2 Steinway shank/flange 
>assemblies
>>that were so sluggish that I could hold the flange in my fingers and 
>the
>>shank stuck straight out.  I sprayed the brake cleaner on the flanges 
>and
>>let it soak for a few minutes.  In no time at all the flange was free 
>and
>>the shank swung freely.  That was Friday evening and it's now Sunday 
>and
>>the flange still moves freely.  I know this is not what one would 
>consider
>>a test of time so I'll let this sit for a week or 2 and see what 
>happens.
>>It would be a good idea if others did a similar experiment to back up 
>the
>>results.  The WD-40 craze of the 60's and 70's for center pins was a 
>dud,
>>so I'm leary of using this stuff.
>>
>>The brake cleaner I used was Prestone Heavy Duty Brake Parts Cleaner 
>with
>>fast dry high performance formula.  The ingredients are Acetone, 
>Heptane,
>>Xylene, Ethylbenzene, and Propane.  Got it from Wal-mart.  It is 
>extremely
>>flammable and should be used in a well-ventilated area. (I think I 
>just
>>scared myself from using it again)
>>
>>Ted Simmons
>>Merritt Island, FL
>>
>>
>

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