CAUT

  • 1.  current torque wrench/gauge recommendations?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-13-2023 12:47

    I'm looking for a torque wrench/gauge. Currently, one of the two big supply houses has one at $250.
    I think not...

    Park bike tools has one that measures inch/pounds at only about $40: 
    https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-TW-1-2-Beam-Type-Torque/dp/B09JB5N6K9/ref=asc_df_B09JB5N6K9/?tag=hyprod-20

    Would this work?

    Harbor Freight has a couple of digital models, and I remember someone recommending one in the Journal, but I can't find it now.
    By their specs, they only seem to to read in Ft-lbs, which would be too big of a scale.

    Also, I guess the big question is: Does a moderately experienced technician even need one? Can't someone who tunes a lot of pianos simply turn the pin and say either "too low" or "too high," and sense some intermediate values as well?

    Kind of like heart rate monitors for biking or running: Sure, you use it a lot for a while, then eventually it ends up in a drawer because it's not very difficult to sense how hard you're working.

    thanks!



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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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  • 2.  RE: current torque wrench/gauge recommendations?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-13-2023 15:31

    I always thought it would be fun to have one myself, but never did.  They are too big to carry in your tool bag and would not be used that often. Customers do not need a torque number to understand the pins are loose. My understanding is that generally these are used by mechanics to get proper torque on machine screws in aluminum, which can strip easily.  Having said that, we all deserve a couple cool tools that are maybe a bit impractical. 


    cheers,
    dennis. 



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    Dennis Johnson, R.P.T.
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  • 3.  RE: current torque wrench/gauge recommendations?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-13-2023 15:53
    I had one for 30 years, almost never tried it on tuning pins. I used mine to check the tightness of plate bolts to factory specs.

    Kathy


    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: current torque wrench/gauge recommendations?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-13-2023 15:46
    Scott

    I didn't realize the one from the supply house is now $250.  I can't remember what I paid for mine because it was so long ago, but it has served me well over the years. 

    Yes, I can tell how tight a pin is, but I use it to show customers how tight the pins are. I tell them ahead of time what the numbers mean, and how tight a pin should be. Then I show them with the numbers with the gauge. It's a very easy way to tell them they need a new pin block. 

    It looks like the Park tool will work, but you will need to buy a ratchet Star head tuning tip. 





  • 5.  RE: current torque wrench/gauge recommendations?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-13-2023 20:07

    Sco
    You might want to see if Kathy is willing to sell hers, given that a 30 year old, seldom used tool would probably be of better quality than most of what you'd find now, at least at anywhere near reasonable $.  
    However, if this item
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/165217078365

    is actually in the condition represented - Armstrong  #64-352- I would buy it and worry about what to do with it later.  Just as with quality hygrometers, there's a world of difference between 'thinking' you know something and having verification.  Never mind having to justify something to a customer.  Let's say you came upon a piano with a potential warrantee issue involving loose pins.  What are you going to do?  Tell the dealer that "they feel pretty loose", or are you able to tell them a number, (measured correctly)?

    Only Wim has perfect torque.  The rest of us are guessing.

    Addendum:

    you could also look at this:
    https://www.mcmaster.com/5718A46/




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    David Skolnik [RPT]
    Hastings-on-Hudson NY
    (917) 589-2625
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: current torque wrench/gauge recommendations?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-14-2023 08:10
    I bought one some years ago to have accurate numbers when examining a piano for someone else to appraise. I use it maybe 4-5 times a year, when I have questions about how tight the pins are. Leo Holder has appraised a number of client's pianos from a distance, having a number for a sample of tuning pins just helps with justifying whatever the piano appraises for. It also helped at NIU when deciding which piano would get a new pin block next, if pianos were similar in condition/ use. 
    To be clear, it doesn't remove all subjectivity- I play up and down the piano, check the notes that sound worst, not every pin. I have also loaned it to other techs in the Chicago area, so you might ask around to see if someone nearby has one that you can borrow, if you aren't sure you can justify the expense. 

    David Graham
    Graham Piano Service, Inc.
    512 S. Main St.
    Sycamore IL 60178
    815-353-5450