Pianotech

  • 1.  Special tool for plastic nuts on Baldwin spinet?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-21-2018 10:25
    HI all,
    Just serviced a Baldwin spinet from 1975 (not an Acrosonic). Sorry, no pics buy if you've come across one you'll recognize the description.
    At the top of each sticker, there was a rubber grommet, then a red felt punching, and topped by a tiny plastic hex nut with a conical top. They kind of resemble Schaff's 3783.

    Most were turnable by finger, but many were really tight. Eventually I'll be going back to do some more work on the piano--is there a special Baldwin tool to turn these? I could probably use a pliers, but I'm afraid of mangling them. Too tiny for a socket wrench methinks.

    thanks

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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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  • 2.  RE: Special tool for plastic nuts on Baldwin spinet?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-21-2018 10:29
    I use a 1/4" deep well socket on a nut driver (screwdriver handle).  Works well!

    Christopher D. Purdy R.P.T.
    Registered Piano Technician
    School of Music, Ohio University
    Rm. 311, Robt. Glidden Hall
    Athens, OH  45701
    Office (740) 593-4230
    Cell    (740) 590-3842
    fax      (740) 593-1429
    http://www.ohiou.edu/music




    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Special tool for plastic nuts on Baldwin spinet?

    Posted 12-21-2018 12:05
    Agree, that works well.
    I have used just a socket and my fingers. Having the socket allows you to get a better grip and sometimes the nut that cannot be adjusted can be adjusted with the socket.

     I usually put a drop of Protek on the nut before doing adjustments.  


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    John Formsma, RPT
    New Albany MS
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Special tool for plastic nuts on Baldwin spinet?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-21-2018 12:34
    There are nut drivers for the job that are color coded. A red handle typically being a quarter inch and it's cousin is a half inch nut driver. usually the shaft is hollow to allow for the long threaded rod.  These can be found at any good hardware store in multi packs of many different sizes. There are other such capstans of different sizes. Harbor Freight for instance may be your cheapest source for such tools.

    Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Special tool for plastic nuts on Baldwin spinet?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-21-2018 12:44
    Scott

    If you have a tuning tip for a ratchet, it fits perfectly. It's big enough to be able to use with just your fingers. 

    RATCHET STAR HEAD 3/8" RATCHET -> STAR RECESS

    $19.50   Product Number : 23   Schaff. 


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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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    Original Message