Hi Matthew, The advantage I see with Flitz is that it has a mild abrasive, so that you are not only cleaning, you are polishing. On some key pins, I think this matters. As for the difference between Prolube and Protek, I honestly don't know what differentiates these products (other than the pump applicator on the Prolube), and I don't know where to find out. Prolube was recommemded to me for this job at one time, and I've used it ever since. I do know that Protek CLP has good lubricant properties, and that once applied, it stays where you put it. Floyd Can I also use Protek to polish/lube the pins? TODD PIANO WORKS Matthew Todd, Piano Technician (979) 248-9578 http://www.toddpianoworks.com --- On Tue, 7/21/09, Floyd Gadd <fg at floydgadd.com> wrote: From: Floyd Gadd <fg at floydgadd.com> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Key Bushing Job To: pianotech at ptg.org Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 5:12 AM Hi Matthew, You will not regret the purchase of the key clamps. Great tools! I have taken a length of dowel and inserted a front rail pin into one end and a balance rail pin into the other. It's useful for getting a preliminary idea of where the bushings are at once the cauls are out. I purchased the key easing iron (soldering iron based) from Pianotek, with the tapered tips. I find it an invaluable tool in the rebushing/refitting process, allowing me to work quickly and effectively at the keyboard as I'm reinstalling the keys. Make sure you attend to polishing the keypins and lubricating the keypin/bushing interface. I use Flitz and Prolube. I see some techs also apply powdered teflon to the bushings. Maybe I should be doing that too. Have fun! Floyd Gadd Manitoba Chapter
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