[pianotech] Suggestions for sticking dampers

[Tom Servinsky]

Marty
I would second Barbara Richmond's suggestion. However I would go a step further.
First of all,are you 100% certain the friction is in the damper guide rail bushings. Make sure that the problem is not in the underlever pinning. But if it is in the guide rail bushings, I would shoot for stabilizing the felt. 
Use the old and true method of treating stubborn center pin bushings in the action. Mix 50% water/50% denatured alcohol and with an eye-dropper or hypo-oilier, putting several drops in the damper guide bushing. Initially the solution will swell the bushing, but hours later the bushing will return to it's original size. The difference is that the felt will be in a more stabilized condition. 
Once treated with the solution, I would then follow up with the Protek Prolube and you'll have a very long lasting repair. 
Tom Servinsky
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Barbara Richmond 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2011 9:09 PM
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] Suggestions for sticking dampers


  Perhaps some material needs to be removed.  I've had to do this.  I took a rat tail file and twirled it lightly in the guide bushing cloth and removed a small amount of material (threads).  One must be careful--it's possible to grab the whole bushing!  Then I took a spare damper wire, heated it and ironed the hole.  Next I treated the cloth with Protek.    I had thought of using VS Profelt, but I didn't want to go through the swelling and shrinking thing and having to drive 40 miles to come back and check to see if everything was working.  BTW, it's possible to listen for the amount of friction in damper guide rails--well, you can hear it in a quiet environment.  Have a listen...  

  Barbara Richmond, RPT
  near Peoria, Illinois

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: "martin cipolla" <pianodoctor at msn.com>
  To: pianotech at ptg.org
  Sent: Saturday, June 4, 2011 7:07:07 PM
  Subject: [pianotech] Suggestions for sticking dampers

  The Piano is a Steinway M.  Perhaps 40 years old.  Sticking dampers are a reoccurring problem.  I have eased the damper holes,
  and used 0000 steel wool on the damper wires and still the dampers stick with any major weather change.  For some reason the
  customer is not interested in a Damp Chaser being put on the instrument.  I can use some suggestions on a fix that would be
  longer lasting.  HELP !!!

  MARTY
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