Pianotech

  • 1.  titebond for worn flange bolt holes?

    Posted 04-16-2021 23:10
    I've got an upright that has been taken apart so many times that the
    bolts (flange screws) that hold the whippens in are loose (not throughout
    the piano, just in the mid range) from having been removed and replaced
    so many times. Now the whippens (on that part of the piano) are actually
    loose.

    I know the ideal answer is to actually insall a new set of threads (not
    clothes) but that is beyond my carpentry level.

    I am tempted to buy new bolts (flange screws) one size larger, but that
    might have unintended consequences. or maybe one size up screws IS the
    answer?

    I have some titebond that I bought for tuning peg holes, and never
    actually tried. Now I'm thinking a bit of that might help those flange
    screws return to their original tightness.

    Thoughts?


  • 2.  RE: titebond for worn flange bolt holes?

    Posted 04-16-2021 23:21
    Leather strips or ecsaine strips with a little glue should work well enough. --
    John Formsma, RPT
    New Albany, MS





  • 3.  RE: titebond for worn flange bolt holes?

    Posted 04-16-2021 23:35
    When I run into this, I use thick CA glue.  Apply McLube or CLP to the screw as a mold release, dispense some thick CA into the screw hole, apply CA kicker to the screw, and screw it in without the flange.  Let it sit for a bit, then remove, and apply a little more of the CA kicker to the hole for good measure.

    Practice this a few times with a screw and scrap of wood.  Maybe give the test model a few torture tests so that you know what results to expect.

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    Floyd Gadd
    Regina SK
    306-502-9103
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  • 4.  RE: titebond for worn flange bolt holes?

    Posted 04-17-2021 06:50
    Thin leather or suede strips usually work. They will conform to the  threads to bolster the hole. Veneer or cardboard will just jet chopped up into little bits by the threads. Leather/sueded will form new threads. apply glue to the sides of the hole or the back of the material. I usually cut a narrow pointed strip and poke it in with a wire (cut off old bass string end - the wrapping acts as a handle).

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
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