Pianotech

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

I believe this very topic was very recently discussed.  You might try the archives to find it.  I don't have experience with the problem myself.  I would try heating up the brass rod and tapping the end on a hard surface to maybe dislodge the needle.  Or file away enough brass at the base of the needle to be able to grab on to it.  Plenty of corrosion solvent (PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench) to break any bond.  If you know how to use a lathe, you could carve away the brass a little bit, as above, or simply try chucking the rod in a drill and use a file to do the same thing.  Good luck.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

I think that other thread was for a different tool in which the needle is CA glued in. You might try a magnet or compressed air in the set screw hole, glad I haven't run into that, yet. (I think cooling rather than heating it will make the hole bigger, confusing.) Vibrating it with something like an electric toothbrush? I dunno.

I believe this very topic was very recently discussed.  You might try the archives to find it.  I don't have experience with the problem myself.  I would try heating up the brass rod and tapping the end on a hard surface to maybe dislodge the needle.  Or file away enough brass at the base of the needle to be able to grab on to it.  Plenty of corrosion solvent (PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench) to break any bond.  If you know how to use a lathe, you could carve away the brass a little bit, as above, or simply try chucking the rod in a drill and use a file to do the same thing.  Good luck.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

I think that other thread was for a different tool in which the needle is CA glued in. You might try a magnet or compressed air in the set screw hole, glad I haven't run into that, yet. (I think cooling rather than heating it will make the hole bigger, confusing.) Vibrating it with something like an electric toothbrush? I dunno.

I believe this very topic was very recently discussed.  You might try the archives to find it.  I don't have experience with the problem myself.  I would try heating up the brass rod and tapping the end on a hard surface to maybe dislodge the needle.  Or file away enough brass at the base of the needle to be able to grab on to it.  Plenty of corrosion solvent (PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench) to break any bond.  If you know how to use a lathe, you could carve away the brass a little bit, as above, or simply try chucking the rod in a drill and use a file to do the same thing.  Good luck.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Would a strong rare earth magnet be of any use in extracting the needle?  It helps that the tool is non -ferrous. 

I think that other thread was for a different tool in which the needle is CA glued in. You might try a magnet or compressed air in the set screw hole, glad I haven't run into that, yet. (I think cooling rather than heating it will make the hole bigger, confusing.) Vibrating it with something like an electric toothbrush? I dunno.

I believe this very topic was very recently discussed.  You might try the archives to find it.  I don't have experience with the problem myself.  I would try heating up the brass rod and tapping the end on a hard surface to maybe dislodge the needle.  Or file away enough brass at the base of the needle to be able to grab on to it.  Plenty of corrosion solvent (PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench) to break any bond.  If you know how to use a lathe, you could carve away the brass a little bit, as above, or simply try chucking the rod in a drill and use a file to do the same thing.  Good luck.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

I Google'd heating a brass rod.  It will enlarge the hole.  The example given was, just like enlarging a photo, everything gets bigger.  Worth a try.  

Would a strong rare earth magnet be of any use in extracting the needle?  It helps that the tool is non -ferrous. 

I think that other thread was for a different tool in which the needle is CA glued in. You might try a magnet or compressed air in the set screw hole, glad I haven't run into that, yet. (I think cooling rather than heating it will make the hole bigger, confusing.) Vibrating it with something like an electric toothbrush? I dunno.

I believe this very topic was very recently discussed.  You might try the archives to find it.  I don't have experience with the problem myself.  I would try heating up the brass rod and tapping the end on a hard surface to maybe dislodge the needle.  Or file away enough brass at the base of the needle to be able to grab on to it.  Plenty of corrosion solvent (PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench) to break any bond.  If you know how to use a lathe, you could carve away the brass a little bit, as above, or simply try chucking the rod in a drill and use a file to do the same thing.  Good luck.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

I believe this very topic was very recently discussed.  You might try the archives to find it.  I don't have experience with the problem myself.  I would try heating up the brass rod and tapping the end on a hard surface to maybe dislodge the needle.  Or file away enough brass at the base of the needle to be able to grab on to it.  Plenty of corrosion solvent (PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench) to break any bond.  If you know how to use a lathe, you could carve away the brass a little bit, as above, or simply try chucking the rod in a drill and use a file to do the same thing.  Good luck.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

I'd like to avoid anything permanent, such as removing material, and keep that as a last resort.

I believe this very topic was very recently discussed.  You might try the archives to find it.  I don't have experience with the problem myself.  I would try heating up the brass rod and tapping the end on a hard surface to maybe dislodge the needle.  Or file away enough brass at the base of the needle to be able to grab on to it.  Plenty of corrosion solvent (PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench) to break any bond.  If you know how to use a lathe, you could carve away the brass a little bit, as above, or simply try chucking the rod in a drill and use a file to do the same thing.  Good luck.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

There is another version of this tool, and it's cheaper.  Here it is: https://www.howardpianoindustries.com/single-needle-piano-voicing-tool/.  The allen wrench for removing the needle is held in a plastic cap that sits on the end of the brass rod.  You won't lose the allen wrench.  If I didn't have the Hart tool, I'd buy this one.  And I also lost my little allen wrench for my Hart tool.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Thanks all. So far nothing works. I even tried the tooth brush, "Deep Cleaning" setting. 

I don't know exact size of the allen wrench, but my micrometer reading says 0.035" and it looks like it. 

There is another version of this tool, and it's cheaper.  Here it is: https://www.howardpianoindustries.com/single-needle-piano-voicing-tool/.  The allen wrench for removing the needle is held in a plastic cap that sits on the end of the brass rod.  You won't lose the allen wrench.  If I didn't have the Hart tool, I'd buy this one.  And I also lost my little allen wrench for my Hart tool.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Thanks all. So far nothing works. I even tried the tooth brush, "Deep Cleaning" setting. 

I don't know exact size of the allen wrench, but my micrometer reading says 0.035" and it looks like it. 

There is another version of this tool, and it's cheaper.  Here it is: https://www.howardpianoindustries.com/single-needle-piano-voicing-tool/.  The allen wrench for removing the needle is held in a plastic cap that sits on the end of the brass rod.  You won't lose the allen wrench.  If I didn't have the Hart tool, I'd buy this one.  And I also lost my little allen wrench for my Hart tool.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Measuring the mini allen wrench. 0.035" is 0.889 mm. 

Thanks all. So far nothing works. I even tried the tooth brush, "Deep Cleaning" setting. 

I don't know exact size of the allen wrench, but my micrometer reading says 0.035" and it looks like it. 

There is another version of this tool, and it's cheaper.  Here it is: https://www.howardpianoindustries.com/single-needle-piano-voicing-tool/.  The allen wrench for removing the needle is held in a plastic cap that sits on the end of the brass rod.  You won't lose the allen wrench.  If I didn't have the Hart tool, I'd buy this one.  And I also lost my little allen wrench for my Hart tool.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Measuring the mini allen wrench. 0.035" is 0.889 mm. 

Thanks all. So far nothing works. I even tried the tooth brush, "Deep Cleaning" setting. 

I don't know exact size of the allen wrench, but my micrometer reading says 0.035" and it looks like it. 

There is another version of this tool, and it's cheaper.  Here it is: https://www.howardpianoindustries.com/single-needle-piano-voicing-tool/.  The allen wrench for removing the needle is held in a plastic cap that sits on the end of the brass rod.  You won't lose the allen wrench.  If I didn't have the Hart tool, I'd buy this one.  And I also lost my little allen wrench for my Hart tool.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Thank you, Paul.

As mentioned earlier, the set screw is fully removed, yet the broken needle remains stuck. I should probably switch to other needle voicing options. 

Measuring the mini allen wrench. 0.035" is 0.889 mm. 

Thanks all. So far nothing works. I even tried the tooth brush, "Deep Cleaning" setting. 

I don't know exact size of the allen wrench, but my micrometer reading says 0.035" and it looks like it. 

There is another version of this tool, and it's cheaper.  Here it is: https://www.howardpianoindustries.com/single-needle-piano-voicing-tool/.  The allen wrench for removing the needle is held in a plastic cap that sits on the end of the brass rod.  You won't lose the allen wrench.  If I didn't have the Hart tool, I'd buy this one.  And I also lost my little allen wrench for my Hart tool.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Thank you, Paul.

As mentioned earlier, the set screw is fully removed, yet the broken needle remains stuck. I should probably switch to other needle voicing options. 

Measuring the mini allen wrench. 0.035" is 0.889 mm. 

Thanks all. So far nothing works. I even tried the tooth brush, "Deep Cleaning" setting. 

I don't know exact size of the allen wrench, but my micrometer reading says 0.035" and it looks like it. 

There is another version of this tool, and it's cheaper.  Here it is: https://www.howardpianoindustries.com/single-needle-piano-voicing-tool/.  The allen wrench for removing the needle is held in a plastic cap that sits on the end of the brass rod.  You won't lose the allen wrench.  If I didn't have the Hart tool, I'd buy this one.  And I also lost my little allen wrench for my Hart tool.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

There is another version of this tool, and it's cheaper.  Here it is: https://www.howardpianoindustries.com/single-needle-piano-voicing-tool/.  The allen wrench for removing the needle is held in a plastic cap that sits on the end of the brass rod.  You won't lose the allen wrench.  If I didn't have the Hart tool, I'd buy this one.  And I also lost my little allen wrench for my Hart tool.

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

Reading through this thread I am reminded of the Flugelbauer voicing kit I purchased back in the days when you could still purchase tools and supplies at conventions and conferences. The kit was great. And I say was because once I started experiencing broken, bent or dull needles I found that it was impossible to remove the tiny allen head screws that locked the needles in. The tiny little hex holes that the tiny little allen wrench was supposed to go in to simply stripped out round. The handles are still in like-new condition but they, unfortunately, still contain what's left of the original needles, which I have been unable to remove and replace. The kit has sat, unused, for a very long time because of this. If anyone has a plan for removing these stripped screws from the needle holder I would be most appreciative to know how. They were great, while they lasted, and I'd like to put them back in to service. 

I have two Hart single needle tools that I really like, but when I need to do a lot of single needle voicing my favorite tool is this small incredibly inexpensive wooden handled pin vice found on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/222125664225 . Unlike most pin vices, this one has fine enough threads that it can clamp down really tight on the needle and it won't slip. 

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

I found similar pin vice on Amazon. I might have something similar somewhere in my shop.. Thanks for the recommendation, Geoff.

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/

Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2026 03:20
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Broken Needle Removal on Hart Voicing Tool

Reading through this thread I am reminded of the Flugelbauer voicing kit I purchased back in the days when you could still purchase tools and supplies at conventions and conferences. The kit was great. And I say was because once I started experiencing broken, bent or dull needles I found that it was impossible to remove the tiny allen head screws that locked the needles in. The tiny little hex holes that the tiny little allen wrench was supposed to go in to simply stripped out round. The handles are still in like-new condition but they, unfortunately, still contain what's left of the original needles, which I have been unable to remove and replace. The kit has sat, unused, for a very long time because of this. If anyone has a plan for removing these stripped screws from the needle holder I would be most appreciative to know how. They were great, while they lasted, and I'd like to put them back in to service. 

I have two Hart single needle tools that I really like, but when I need to do a lot of single needle voicing my favorite tool is this small incredibly inexpensive wooden handled pin vice found on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/222125664225 . Unlike most pin vices, this one has fine enough threads that it can clamp down really tight on the needle and it won't slip. 

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2026 01:06
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Broken Needle Removal on Hart Voicing Tool

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------

The video I'm linking to here is what prompted me to suggest trying a strong magnet. Not particularly piano-related, but cool in its own right. I didn't know magnets this strong were available. https://youtu.be/ueCO4spGNPs?si=DFvZE1kpPzDgARkS

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103

Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2026 10:00
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Broken Needle Removal on Hart Voicing Tool

I found similar pin vice on Amazon. I might have something similar somewhere in my shop.. Thanks for the recommendation, Geoff.

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/

Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2026 03:20
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Broken Needle Removal on Hart Voicing Tool

Reading through this thread I am reminded of the Flugelbauer voicing kit I purchased back in the days when you could still purchase tools and supplies at conventions and conferences. The kit was great. And I say was because once I started experiencing broken, bent or dull needles I found that it was impossible to remove the tiny allen head screws that locked the needles in. The tiny little hex holes that the tiny little allen wrench was supposed to go in to simply stripped out round. The handles are still in like-new condition but they, unfortunately, still contain what's left of the original needles, which I have been unable to remove and replace. The kit has sat, unused, for a very long time because of this. If anyone has a plan for removing these stripped screws from the needle holder I would be most appreciative to know how. They were great, while they lasted, and I'd like to put them back in to service. 

I have two Hart single needle tools that I really like, but when I need to do a lot of single needle voicing my favorite tool is this small incredibly inexpensive wooden handled pin vice found on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/222125664225 . Unlike most pin vices, this one has fine enough threads that it can clamp down really tight on the needle and it won't slip. 

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2026 01:06
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Broken Needle Removal on Hart Voicing Tool

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

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Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
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Drill a hole through a block of wood that will then hold the tool snugly and then with the tool inserted,  rap the block of wood on a hard surface. Should dislodge it. 

A reminder these tools are not meant for heavy voicing duty. 

The video I'm linking to here is what prompted me to suggest trying a strong magnet. Not particularly piano-related, but cool in its own right. I didn't know magnets this strong were available. https://youtu.be/ueCO4spGNPs?si=DFvZE1kpPzDgARkS

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Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103

Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2026 10:00
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Broken Needle Removal on Hart Voicing Tool

I found similar pin vice on Amazon. I might have something similar somewhere in my shop.. Thanks for the recommendation, Geoff.

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Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/

Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2026 03:20
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Broken Needle Removal on Hart Voicing Tool

Reading through this thread I am reminded of the Flugelbauer voicing kit I purchased back in the days when you could still purchase tools and supplies at conventions and conferences. The kit was great. And I say was because once I started experiencing broken, bent or dull needles I found that it was impossible to remove the tiny allen head screws that locked the needles in. The tiny little hex holes that the tiny little allen wrench was supposed to go in to simply stripped out round. The handles are still in like-new condition but they, unfortunately, still contain what's left of the original needles, which I have been unable to remove and replace. The kit has sat, unused, for a very long time because of this. If anyone has a plan for removing these stripped screws from the needle holder I would be most appreciative to know how. They were great, while they lasted, and I'd like to put them back in to service. 

I have two Hart single needle tools that I really like, but when I need to do a lot of single needle voicing my favorite tool is this small incredibly inexpensive wooden handled pin vice found on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/222125664225 . Unlike most pin vices, this one has fine enough threads that it can clamp down really tight on the needle and it won't slip. 

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Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2026 01:06
From: Elisha Katamura
Subject: Broken Needle Removal on Hart Voicing Tool

Hi all,

I've been putting this off for far too long. I've broken needles in my Hart Voicing Tool a few times, and since I had multiple tools (thanks to retired techs…), I kept switching to another instead of fixing the problem. Today I finally broke the last usable one, so it's time to address it properly.

I've loosened the set screw, but the broken needle is still stuck inside, and I'm not sure how to extract it. If anyone has successfully dealt with this and has a method that works, I'd really appreciate you sharing your experience.

Here is the tool photo from Schaff. 

------------------------------
Elisha Katamura RPT
Katamura Piano Service
Fresno, CA
(559)765-7373
https://www.katamurapianoservice.com/
------------------------------