[pianotech] removal of key leads in "blind" holes

[David Love]

Drill a small 1/8" hole from the back and punch them out with a 1/8" punch.
I use Epoxy Putty mixed with powdered stain to the color of the wood to fill
the holes.  You can make plugs from old keys so the grain runs the right way
or you can buy plugs (Pianotek sells them by the bag).  They're usually
straight not tapered.

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of David Nereson
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 5:01 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] removal of key leads in "blind" holes

    How d'ya remove key leads from holes that aren't drilled all 
the way thru the key -- drill a hole from the other side and 
punch 'em out?
    And, to fill tapered holes left by removed leads, what does 
one use for plugs?  Do you drill the hole cylindrical first 
(rather than tapered), so you can use a dowel plug?  (I'm not 
aware of any tapered plug cutters.  They may exist but would 
cost $$$.)
    --David Nereson, RPT