Role of the Staple on a hammer

[David Love]

McMorrow’s hammer method involves several applications of lacquer solution
which renders the tension aspect of the hammer fairly inconsequential.  In
this case I agree with him that the staple is unnecessary.  On tensioned
hammers I do believe that the staple provides necessary support.  That being
said, the type of staple may make a difference.  If the staple is not
substantial enough to hold the tension then I would recommend a strong
lacquer solution much like the reinforcers that you mention to stabilize the
lower region of the hammer.
 
 
David Love
davidlovepianos at comcast.net
www.davidlovepianos.com 


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Kendall Ross Bean
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:57 AM
To: 'Pianotech List'
Subject: RE: Role of the Staple on a hammer
 
Larry Fine, in his Piano Book, seems to agree with you, David. He says that
Steinway calls this type of stapling "compression wiring" and that it is
thought to help maintain the compression of the shoulders.
 
On the other hand, Ed McMorrow seems to disagree, in his Educated Piano
book, suggesting that the staples really serve no function (or are
unnecessary) after the glue has dried, and are mainly to allow the
hammermaker to buy some time by not having to leave the hammers in the press
until the glue is completely dry.