perpetually sticking keys

[Richard Brekne]

First thing that comes to mind is to be dead certain whether its the 
keys that are really the problem.  You can confirm that by measuring the 
friction levels present.  I like to to this by placing enough weight on 
the back of the key so that it takes about 15 grams of dead weight on 
the front of the key for it to fall downwards.  Then I just measure UW 
and DW, and figure friction.  If its under 2 grams... then your problem 
is something else then relating to key easing.

RicB

Tvak@aol.com wrote:

> List
>
> I got in too deep this time.  I sold a little spinet piano last month. 
> I had replaced the damper felts, key bushings, and keytops.  I 
> included a free tuning and although there was no written guarantee, I 
> promised her that the piano was in good working order.  Which it was. 
>
> While the piano was in my posession, I did have ALOT of trouble 
> getting the keys eased so that they would return promptly.  Every time 
> I went out to the shop I'd find another key that wouldn't come back 
> up, but I thought I had them all taken care of.  And if she had any 
> problems, I planned to install lead weights on the back of the keys.
>
> Which I did, two weeks ago, when she called to tell me that there were 
> a couple of sticking keys.  With the weights installed, I figured that 
> would be the last I'd hear from her.
>
> Nope.
>
> She called yesterday with more sticking keys.  Now, it's winter here 
> in Chicago, the indoor climate is dry, compared to spring, which is 
> only a few months away.  If she's having problems now, oh boy.
>
> My question is: what the heck can I do next?  I've eased the keys from 
> here till Sunday.   I put the lead weights all the way at the back of 
> the key for maximum effect.  I polished the keypins and sprayed them 
> with TFL50. I don't know what to do next to get myself out of this 
> quagmire.  I want her to be satisfied with this instrument.  I want to 
> stop driving the 25 miles to her house.
>
> HELP!
>
> Tom Sivak
> Chicago PTG Associate