[pianotech] Key lead fix?

[JWyatt1492 at aol.com]

Hello to All.
 
   I have found some success by drilling a hole thru  the
 center of the lead weights. Then gluing  the  key cracks 
together and let dry under pressure. 
    This seems to work  better on sugar pine than  spruce.  
 
Regards to all,
Jack Wyatt
 
 
 
In a message dated 4/4/2012 6:56:40 P.M. Central Daylight Time,  
David at piano.plus.com writes:

A 1913 Bluthner grand I tune every so often has the swollen key  lead 
problem that has been discussed here previously.  In the past I have  manged to 
file the odd sticking note on the spot. Today, quite a few notes  were 
sticking and I showed the problem to the owner.  It was agreed that  I should take 
the action away to file all the key leads and apply some lacquer  or 
varnish to give a seal of sorts.

Unfortunately I have found that the  problem is severe, and the swollen 
leads have caused at least half a dozen  keys to split quite badly.  I have had 
to punch out the swollen oxidised  leads in order to glue and clamp the 
keys back together again.

Really a  comprehensive keyboard overhall is needed, as the backtouch felts 
and centre  rail washers are quite motheaten, and probably all key leads 
should be removed  and replaced.

I do not know if the owner will be willing or able to go  to that expense, 
and in the meantime the piano is needed for guests who will  be visiting 
soon.

What do you suggest I do with the keys I've removed  the leads from, in 
terms of an interim "quick fix" to get the piano back  together and working : 
1) put the glued keys back with no leads, or 2) fill  the holes with 
something else, like wood repair putty or Plastic Padding's  metal repair stuff? 

Obtaining and fitting new leads is the bigger  solution for the future, but 
what to do meantime?

Suggestions  welcome!

Best  regards,

David.

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