John R. wrote: <<"I have noticed, that it has been recommended, that newly installed hammers that are crooked, (I know this has never happened to you), should be removed and reinstalled.">> Hah! John I really wished this had never happened to me......... unfortunately I frequently get to practice regluing hammers that I have hung cattiwampus. Like you said it is easier to release and reglue while the hide glue is still fresh and retains a fair amount of moisture but it can be done after a period of time has passed also. I use a heat gun and a hammer extractor.....first I apply some heat to the hammer/shank all around the outside and then set the extractor up to apply a very gentle pressure on the hammer.........while continuing to apply heat and slowly increasing the extractor pressure the glue will release a sufficient amount to get the hammer off. once the hammer is off I will clean the shank of any residue and the hammer bore hole is cleaned also. Then it is simply a process of regluing the hammer as if it were the first time...although hopefully this time a wee bit straighter! :-) On old brittle hide glue I just pop off any collar and then extract the hammer from the shank...should I have a problem I use a piece of wet cotton twine..... wrap it around the shank/hammer joint and apply heat as normal..this usually works on most types of glues, i.e., tite bond/white glue/ hide glues etc.... Jim Bryant (FL)
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC