Pianotech

Don't do this

Don't do this

Best way to remove lead is to drill it out with a Forstner bit.

Don't do this

That is not safe practice. Lead is heavy metal and toxic there are safer methods such as special pliers but PPE and disposal procedures should be followed.

Best way to remove lead is to drill it out with a Forstner bit.

Don't do this

Best way to remove lead is to drill it out with a Forstner bit.

Don't do this

Most lead can be pressed out with a pair of lead removing pliers or punched out. Drilling out with a Forster bit certainly works, but it does create lead dust which is not the best. Put the driill press on very slow speed

Best way to remove lead is to drill it out with a Forstner bit.

Don't do this

I found the deadleaders which I purchased from RennerUsa to be of little value.  Drilling out the lead with a sharp Forstner bit produces

the least dust and is the most efficient method. The lead normally comes out as a slug. The removed lead can then be recycled.

Most lead can be pressed out with a pair of lead removing pliers or punched out. Drilling out with a Forster bit certainly works, but it does create lead dust which is not the best. Put the driill press on very slow speed

Best way to remove lead is to drill it out with a Forstner bit.

Don't do this

That's interesting, I've never had a problem with the lead removing pliers.  Sometimes, when keys are not drilled all the way through for lead, I've had to drill a small hole then punched the lead out with a 1/8" punch.  When they won't budge, I will drill them out but that's not often been the case.  The only issues I have had with the lead removing pliers that I have is when the leads are larger than 1/2" but the last time I checked the new iteration had a larger receiving diameter. What was the problem you had with them?

Of course, on this key set I pictured, there was no choice but to drill out the lead.  

I found the deadleaders which I purchased from RennerUsa to be of little value.  Drilling out the lead with a sharp Forstner bit produces

the least dust and is the most efficient method. The lead normally comes out as a slug. The removed lead can then be recycled.

Most lead can be pressed out with a pair of lead removing pliers or punched out. Drilling out with a Forster bit certainly works, but it does create lead dust which is not the best. Put the driill press on very slow speed

Best way to remove lead is to drill it out with a Forstner bit.

Don't do this