[pianotech] Hammer return spring cord replacement advice sought

[Michael Staples]

Thanks to all who responded positivly! A special thanks to David Boyce
for including a method I could use.  I was confused by the term flange
cord by the supply houses when I checked them for a source as I am not
dealing with the cord (for this part of the repair) that is the
flange.

M. Staples



On Sun, Jul 1, 2012 at 12:45 PM, David Boyce <David at piano.plus.com> wrote:
>
>
> What you need is Flange Cord (not to be confused with Loop Cord).  Flange
> Cord is available from the supply houses. It has an outer braided sheath
> covering inner strands.  You need to make a hard point to be able to push it
> through the flange holes and spring coil.
>
> The procedure is to cut off about 20cm or a little more (8 inches approx).
> Peel back the braided outer cover on one end, for about 2cm (3/4 inch).  Cut
> off the inner strands.  Then pull the outer braid back up, now hollow for
> 2cm.  With a little glue (PVA or whatever), work the glue into the
> now-hollow end of the outer braid. Work it into a point.  Leave it to
> harden.
>
> You can now use this hardened end to start the cord. Push the hard end
> through the flange hole, the spring coil, and out through the other side of
> the flange.  Pull the cord through to the loose end, leaving a millimeter or
> so sticking out.  Cut the protuding rough end neatly flush with a razor
> blade, and cut off the rest of the cord on the other side too.  You now
> still have the rest of the cord, with its hard "leading" end, ready for the
> next flange.
>
> The cord really is the best thing for the job.  Sometimes people improvise
> with cocktail sticks etc, but they can generate noise.  A varient sometimes
> encountered, is where bushing cloth goes right through the flange and spring
> coil, and a centre pin runs through the middle.
>
> Best regards,
>
> David.
> www.davidboyce.co.uk
>
>
>
>
> List:
>
> I need to replace failed and failing hammer return springs on a
> Kimball console compact action.  Would someone suggest the type of
> cord (or something else) and method to use to replace the cord that
> runs through the spring coil?
>
> Photo of intact spring attached.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Michael Staples
>
>