Here are two pictures of the pliers i use for dampers. They become parallel about the width of a damper head.
And a video of my Fandrich designed becket pliers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53ZPbuVMwRY-chris
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Chernobieff Piano Restorations
"Where Tone is Key"
chernobieffpiano.com
grandpianoman@protonmail.comLenoir City, TN
865-986-7720
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-24-2021 19:58
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
Floyd,
With the screw a tad tighter than finger tight, let's say I want to lengthen the wire assembly (wire holder goes down), I grasp the wire just above the holder with the pliers (bottom of pliers touching holder) and simply tilt the pliers down slightly which moves the holder down on the wire. One can make extremely fine adjustments this way. And of course it stays put because the screw is tight enough to hold it in place. When I get it where I want it I tighten the screw.
Pwg
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 23:47
From: Floyd Gadd
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
Peter, tell me what do you mean by micro adjustment of damper wire in the holder. You might end up addressing a question about damper adjustment that has occurred to me.
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Floyd Gadd
Regina SK
306-502-9103
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 20:55
From: Jon Page
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
To grip the screw in the top flange, Screw Pliers from Lee Valley Tools is the best. They also grip the wire for fine alignment tuning.
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Regards,
Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 20:54
From: Jon Page
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
Looks like needle-nosed pliers to me. Just not a small pair.
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Regards,
Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 19:56
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
For clarity, these are what I have. I'm pretty sure they're not parallel pliers.
Also, maybe useful on a Viennese action?
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Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 19:48
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
I am no longer puzzled. But I do love the grip they put on the damper wire and screw when needed.
Pwg
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 17:27
From: Jon Page
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
I mistakenly understood parallel pliers which is the tool I was describing. I don't own a pair of duck billed pliers and haven't needed them for the last 50 years. I would not be without a pair or parallel pliers though.
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Regards,
Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 16:22
From: James Kelly
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
my mistake parallell pliers would be best for that adjustment on backcheck heads - i have used my key easing pliers to adjust backchecks and i have some parallel pliers
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 13:17
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
Are we talking about duck bill (jaws not parallel) or parallel jaw pliers? My duck bill pliers would not work well for adjusting backchecks. I use true parallel jaw pliers for backchecks and beckets and all. My duck bills are great for damper holder screws and micro-adjustment of damper wire in the holder.
Pwg
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 12:47
From: James Kelly
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
I found a well made duck bill pliers at Lee Valley Tools for under $20 . They are really good for squeezing piano wire onto the tuning pin to form tight coils but they can be used for many other bending tasks. One good use would be to help align backcheck heads to hammer tails in grands
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 12:27
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
And to think for years I've had this tool but have been doing all these jobs the hard way, LOL!
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Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
Original Message:
Sent: 10-23-2021 11:57
From: Paul Williams
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
They also very helpful squeezing in the loose damper lever leads on Steinways or key leads on keys.
Paul
Original Message:
Sent: 10/23/2021 10:20:00 AM
From: Ian Graham
Subject: RE: Duck Bill Pliers
Jon,
Great tip. I generally use these pliers to close the becket during pull up, but anything to reduce the chipping time is a welcomed benefit.
Original Message:
Sent: 10/22/2021 7:56:00 PM
From: Jon Page
Subject: RE: Duck Bill Pliers
The perfect tool to squeeze the becket and then while grip the coil to give 4 quarter turns counter-clockwise. This coaxes/tightens the coils around the pin and alleviates problematic notes that don't hold well and also to reduce the chip-in time. I've seen it drop the pitch anywhere from 60 cents to a minor third.
There can be a lot of slack left in the coil when the lowest circumference gets tight but the upper wraps stay slightly looser and tighten up over time. Slowly creeping around causing tuning instability.
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Regards,
Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
Original Message:
Sent: 10-22-2021 15:50
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
The most useful tool for verticalizing grand damper heads.
-chris
Original Message:
Sent: 10/22/2021 3:20:00 PM
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Duck Bill Pliers
I've been digging through my tools. Found a pair of duck bill pliers I got years ago. I've never used them and am contemplating selling them. Before I do, under what circumstances would I find these useful?
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Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
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