[pianotech] squeeky knuckles

[Barbara Richmond]

Hi Steven, 

Naptha can help clean them up, too. If, after cleaning, brushing and lubricating, there are still grooves, it is possible to shape/sand knuckles (like hammers) so the knuckle surface is smoother for spacing/lining up the wippen to the knuckle (See the cover of August's Journal and Fred Redekop's article). 

The best thing to prolong the life of the knuckles is to keep the regulation tight and treat the knuckles every now and then with Teflon powder. Try Andre's method of using a chalkboard eraser for applying the Teflon (October Journal, TT&T). It's really fast. I carry my Teflon applying eraser in a ziplock bag in my tool case. I'm much more inclined to apply it, now, since it is less messy and doesn't take as long. 

Sorry my schedule was so loony when you were in Peoria before the convention. I hope things went well. 

Barbara Richmond, RPT 
near Peoria, Illinois 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steven Hopp" <hoppsmusic at hotmail.com> 
To: pianotech at ptg.org 
Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 2:32:37 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central 
Subject: [pianotech] squeeky knuckles 

Hello List, 

I am working to remove the squeeks from very smooth knuckles. I am using a brush to rough up the leather and then some teflon powder. This should do the trick. 

My question is - how long should my client expect this fix to last before needing more drastic replacement measures? It is for a college professor who plays a lot and teaches on the instrument. The picture below hopefully shows the amount of wear. 

Also, what is the black stuff? It seems pretty heavy. Graphite? Is that acceptable as it has apparently caused a kind of slick, shiny wear to the knuckles. Just curious. 

Thanks to all, 


Steven J. Hopp 




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