[pianotech] repinning hammer butts w/ Billings flanges

[David Nereson]

    On the subject of repinning, how do you deal with butts that 
have Billings flanges?  You can't repin more than about 1 or two 
sizes bigger, because the center pin won't push through the 
brass flange.
    I've tried widening the flange by prying it open with a 
screwdriver, but then when tightening the flange screw, I've had 
some of them split or crack.  Oh, you can squeeze them shut in a 
vise, and drill the hole larger, but what a hassle!  I've had 
drill bits break trying to do that.
    Are you obliged to re-bush all the butts first so you can 
use a small enough center pin?
    --David Nereson, RPT