Twisted Keys

[Spencer Brewer]

Take out the keys on either side of the twisted ones... using the untwisted
ones as templates. Take the twisted ones and heat it or them up with either
steam or an iron ( some folks have put them in an oven at 200 for 10-15
minutes and they become pliable). Once it or they are heated up, quickly put
them between the good ones and clamp them solidly together. Apply some more
heat to the effected ones to make sure that they are still pliable and leave
it for an hour or so. They will form back to the ones on either side which
were never heated up.

It has worked for me on all kinds of key issues.

Spencer Brewer 
Mendocino Piano

> From: "firman1" <firman1@prodigy.net>
> Reply-To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2005 10:07:19 -0600
> To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Subject: Re: Twisted Keys
> 
> I clamp the key to a table with one end sticking out over the edge. I then
> tighten a "crescent" wrench on that end and hang a weight through its handle
> hole. Using a heat gun on the middle area of the twist will soften the wood
> fibers, usually. A little steam from an old iron might be required in stubborn
> cases. Stop when the key is straight and let it dry with the weight on it.
> Make sure you don't go too far! I usually let it go slightly too much, because
> of spring-back.
> At least this is how I have done it for 30 years.
> Berley A. Firmin II
> Bayou La Combe, Louisiana