key leads

[Farrell]

Ditto for what Robin says Les. That's what I do. I have a set of Yamy keys to do this to also. The only thing I'd comment on is disposal. I'm not sure what the best thing to do is - but putting the lead in a landfill is definitely NOT a good thing to do. I've got a can where I've been storing junk lead. Maybe when I get enough, I can just drop it off at some metal recycling place - and even get a couple bucks for it.

Terry Farrell
  ----- Original Message ----- 

  Les I have found the best way is to have a designated 5/8 (new, or very sharp) chisel in your tool kit just for dealing with this problem. I normally have a old cutting board in my car and place a thick layer of newspaper over the board so that the off cuts can be wrapped up and thrown away. I place the key on the newspaper covered board (keytops upwards) and then apply a downward cut with the chisel, sometimes two cuts are needed if they are thick. Using a file will only clog up after one or two keys. They normally will grow back after a few years so I've got no idea if sealing the lead stops them from growing again. Spraying the key with lacquer seems a bit messy when you could do the same job with a small brush.

  Robin Stevens ARPT

  South Australia

   

  I have a piano to deal with next week- most of the leads are swelling.  They can't afford to replace them, so my thought is to file them, then spray lacquer on the lead.  The corrosion goes down very little into the actual lead.
   

  Also need to replace most if not all hammer return springs.  Does that lead dust cause the springs to deteriorate and break?
  les bartlett
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