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Center pin sizes

  • 1.  Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-20-2022 10:03
    Hi all,

    I just passed my written exam and am focusing my efforts on the tuning and technical coming up.  While I have the tools for a fairly wide range of repairs, I tend to buy the tools as needed because the up front investment for everything would be overwhelming.  Up until now, I've not had to do much with center pins, but I'm getting to the point where I need to be set up for these repairs.  My questions:

    1. What center pin sizes are "must haves" for most repairs seen in the field?  
    2. Do any piano supply companies sell assortments of the most commonly used sizes so that I'm not having to buy all sizes by the oz.?

    Thank you for your help!

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    Tim Foster
    New Oxford PA
    (470) 231-6074
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  • 2.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-20-2022 12:40
    Tim

    Schaff sells a center pin case, complete with center pins, for $65.00. 

    CENTER PIN CASE, FILLED

    $65.00  PRODUCT NUMBER : 165A (EACH)
    Inline image




    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-20-2022 12:48
    Wow, somehow I missed that one, thanks!

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    Tim Foster
    New Oxford PA
    (470) 231-6074
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-20-2022 19:47

    Hi Tim,

    The pin case Wim recommends is great, that's what I've used for years and haven't had to refill it yet. 

    For the other repinning tools, check out AMS Piano Tools. They give a 30% discount to PTG members. They're basic but good enough quality to last you several years until you get enough repinning jobs to justify upgrading. 



    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-20-2022 21:16
    Tim,

    You'll want a good pair of flush cutting pliers. Make sure they truly cut flush and not "close to flush". Pianotek has a nice pair for center pinning work.

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-21-2022 00:20
    And use them ONLY for center pins. ONLY!!! Or else you'll put holes where the nippers are supposed to nip. Here's a pro tip: voicing needles are not center pins. Ask me how I know.

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    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-21-2022 06:29
    Benjamin, one and only one other use - removing broken voicing needle from hammer.

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    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-21-2022 16:51
    And even then, you risk damaging the nippers if you squeeze too hard. In other words, use them with care - it's an expensive mistake to make if you don't!

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    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-22-2022 00:53
    I often use my center pin nippers for cutting upright hammer shanks off.  Also good for grand shanks if you will file or sand them afterward.

    Don't forget nipping match sticks or tooth picks off on screw plugs or spring cord plugs.

    Also, you can use them on piano wire.... once!

    ------------------------------
    Blaine Hebert RPT
    Duarte CA
    (626) 795-5170
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    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-21-2022 07:42
    The case is handy, but includes sizes that you won't often need. By far the most common pins I use are 20 1/2 (.051") to replace original #20 pins used by many manufacturers. In addition to the flush cutting pliers you'll want a good pinning tool (WNG) and a set of the Mannino reamer/burnishers. These last are especially important for producing consistent, accurate and stabile pinning.​

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    Mark Dierauf RPT
    Concord NH
    (603) 225-4652
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    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-21-2022 08:12
    This is great information, thank you everyone!

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    Tim Foster
    New Oxford PA
    (470) 231-6074
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    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Posted 10-21-2022 08:46
    See this video in the PTG Academy, Playground Station 14 for an explanation of Maninno broaches in hammer flange repinning.

    https://my.ptg.org/viewdocument/station14-repinning-grand-hammer?CommunityKey=8f11afae-ae86-4644-a7d4-746a5f7a2935&tab=librarydocuments&LibraryFolderKey=e3618a5f-9955-43fc-bb14-b7cdb755cba2&DefaultView=folder

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    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
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    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Posted 10-21-2022 08:13
    Add Straight Reamers to that.

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    Regards,

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


  • 14.  RE: Center pin sizes

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-21-2022 15:32
    I use a small mill file to clean up the cut from the nippers, don't want the pinched ends to tear into the bushing felt. The pins are soft, only takes a few strokes.

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    Steven Rosenthal RPT
    Honolulu HI
    (808) 521-7129
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    Original Message