hello Richard,
i would not be concerned about cosmetics and weight issues with old pianos that are in that condition where the owner does not want to invest in replacing hammers. As long as it works and does not interfere with the working.
I have actually made sort of staples by using the smallest gauge of piano wire, bent in a U-shape, drilling two small holes from top to bottom, inserting each leg of the u shaped wire through the separate holes and as they protrude from the bottom, grip them with vise grip pliers and twisting them several times, snipping them off and bend the twisted wires flush to the hammer felt.
I also use the thick CA glue with this as well.
Can't do it in the piano though.
If those staples are available, it would be faster and nicer looking though.
Peter
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Petrus Janssen
Peachtree City GA
678-416-8055
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-27-2021 11:31
From: Richard West
Subject: Hammer repair - a screwy alternative
Here's a thought: Does anyone make hammer staples? Brooks? Ronsen? Renner? Use your favorite glue and clamping method, then drill a small hole where your staple would go. Install the staple. Done.
I've never done that procedure, but it's clearly part of hammer manufacutring history. It's a matter of finding staples. Better than using twine, I think. And I wouldn't want to leave a screw/washer in the hammer because of weight issues and cosmetics.
Richard West
Original Message:
Sent: 9/27/2021 10:15:00 AM
From: Randy Prentice
Subject: RE: Hammer repair - a screwy alternative
James Kelly - Your drywall screw idea is very interesting. Here's a thought: Say you have a hammer that is solid on the top half but pulled away on the bottom half. I wonder if a longer fine thread drywall screw going through the top could pierce through the molding and "bite" into the bottom felt well enough to pull it back into place. Maybe apply some glue as well. Possibly do a partial drilling on the top half...far enough to get through molding which would eliminate any undo pressure on the top half as well as the possibility of splitting the molding. An in-piano solution?
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Randy Prentice
Tucson AZ
520-749-3788
Original Message:
Sent: 09-27-2021 06:46
From: James Kelly
Subject: Hammer repair - a screwy alternative
Small drywall screws would work possibly without drilling . You would need to take the action out to get to the loose felt on the other side of the hammer. CA glue could seep into the felt and harden it. I have seen some good repairs done using strong twine
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 09-27-2021 05:00
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Hammer repair - a screwy alternative
What was it about the result of using CA glue that made you sad?
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Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2021 16:54
From: Randy Prentice
Subject: Hammer repair - a screwy alternative
I recently tuned an ancient Wurlitzer spinet that had three hammers with separating hammer felt. I repaired them in-piano using contact cement which worked well but was not as snug as I would have liked. Initially, I tried CA glue but was not happy with the result. Attached is an alternative method I devised at home using an intentionally separated hammer. With the right tools, it is pretty quick, super tight and looks like it can be done in the piano. In addition, you don't end up with sticky fingers. Perhaps this has been done before, I used #4 x 3/4 sheet metal screw and a 7/64 drill bit.
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Randy Prentice
Tucson AZ
520-749-3788
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