Pianotech

Greetings,

It has "been a minute" (read: DECADES) since I last replaced wippen heel cloths (AKA capstan cloths). Back then, under the tutelage of my first master of high-end piano work, Keith Hardesty (OBM), after thoroughly cleaning off the remnants of the previously used glue and cloth, we would use a hot glue gun to attach one end of the replacement cloth on each wippen heel. Glue gun glue sets quickly so, once through, we would go back and glue down the other ends, maintaining tension on the cloth until the glue sets (a matter of seconds, as I recall). Before endeavoring to do this again after all these years, thought I would inquire if anyone has experience to support a different adhesive for this and/or a different protocol.

Thanks,

Alan

Alan,

We will assume you are replacing this whippen heel cloth because it is deeply dimpled. We've all been there.

Truly, there is no need to replace this cloth. The cloth at the dimple hasn't "gone anywhere", it is merely compressed. To rectify, create strips of wooden veneer (yes, that simple) that are 3/16" wide and as long as you can get them. Make a point on one end of each strip, like a flat needle. You will draw/bolster this veneer between the underside of the whippen cloth and the piece of red bushing cloth that is glued to the whippen heel. Draw the veneer flush to the whippen body on one side, then trim your "draw stick" flush on the opposite side with sharp nippers. Do this to all 88 whippens.

The convex, taut, non-dimpled surface of the heel cloth will reappear instantly, magically. I have been doing this for decades with no ill effect. The presence of wood at this site creates no noise.

It sounds too good to be true, yet it is.

David G. Hughes, RPT

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David Hughes RPT
Vintage Case Parts
Glyndon MD
(443) 522-2201
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Oh wow, David: What a great tip! I will definitely try the approach you outlined next time I find myself in a similar situation. Unfortunately, it is too late to do that on the present job, since attempts to de-dimple the heel cloth with Profelt caused the glue to release.

Thanks for sharing, just the same.

Alan

I am curious:

Are you using hot melt glue in a glue gun, i.e. the stuff kids use to make crafts such as Christmas tree ornaments? 

Or is there a gun I have never heard of which dispenses actual hot hide glue?

Regarding the cloth, while dimples are mostly the result of compression, (and to a certain amount wear) I would probably prefer replacing with new cloth that has resilience which will keep noise down. I have heard of steam or chemicals used to puff out the dimples as well.

Hey Jurgen

"Wouldn't it be nice" if there were a gun that dispensed actual hide glue, with a way to dial in the desired viscosity and maintain it throughout usage. But alas, the last time I did this, a long time ago in a land far away, it was with the craft hot melt stick glue gun that you first referenced.

On newer action parts, I routinely use either steam or VS Profelt on dimpled wippen heel cloth. Works as mentioned.

It was attempting to do the same on these older action parts where hide glue is the adhesive that caused the heel cloths to release their glue. Hence, the need to replace.

Best,

Alan

I have (several times) done the bolstering trick, but in the traditional way with bushing cloth. Never thought of using veneer. Perhaps ill try that next time. 

And yes, I have also successfully deglued some things with VS-PROFELT, leading me to adjust my application to no more than a few drops on the point of business. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

I like your spin on it, Peter, "successfully" un-gluing with PROFELT. (Yes, it would have been "successful," if only that had been the goal!)

Once we determined that all of the heel cloths would get replaced, we switched over to wallpaper remover and water for glue release. Wound up going "back" to using PROFELT instead.

Alan

While so many respected technicians have recommended hide glue on this thread, I received a private post from my friend and colleague Ed Whitting, RPT, which he gave me permission to share publicly. Here it is:

I'm still in the HH arena. I'm pretty good with it. I have encountered numerous things originally glued with HH that have been incredibly difficult to separate. Plus, just the aroma of it brings back memories of days gone by...it's the next best thing to a good cup of coffee ☕️ 😉 

And I also still use 3x5 file cards (though I have dispensed with the plastic pocket protector, so that's progress).

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

Except the occasional finger burn  🔥 😐 😒 

I do like the hot glue gun too 😉 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor 

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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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Hello Alan,

Like you, it's been a while since I've had need of replacing wippen cushions.

I apologize for being a bit slow but I dug out my jig for that job and am inserting a picture. I used a shaped caul and hot hide glue then cut them apart after all was dry. This is a fast and consistent method and I'm sure I got the idea (almost 20 years ago) from someone else; maybe Bill Spurlock? Using this method makes quick work of spreading glue (even the under cushion felt), clamping the strips then quick cutting with a razor blade and, if necessary, cleaning up fibers with a flat iron. The end block is glued to the base and the other blocks are loose to slide to the necessary positions and cauls are just cut to convenient length depending on how many wippens you want to glue at a time. A bar clamp along the length on the flange side assists even more in alignment.

I hope this helps!

Thanks for reaching into your tool archives for this, Allan. It is never too late for a good idea!

Alan

Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2025 08:50
From: Allan Gilreath
Subject: Gluing on wippen heel cloths

Hello Alan,

Like you, it's been a while since I've had need of replacing wippen cushions.

I apologize for being a bit slow but I dug out my jig for that job and am inserting a picture. I used a shaped caul and hot hide glue then cut them apart after all was dry. This is a fast and consistent method and I'm sure I got the idea (almost 20 years ago) from someone else; maybe Bill Spurlock? Using this method makes quick work of spreading glue (even the under cushion felt), clamping the strips then quick cutting with a razor blade and, if necessary, cleaning up fibers with a flat iron. The end block is glued to the base and the other blocks are loose to slide to the necessary positions and cauls are just cut to convenient length depending on how many wippens you want to glue at a time. A bar clamp along the length on the flange side assists even more in alignment.

I hope this helps!

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Allan Gilreath, RPT
Registered Piano Technician & President
Allan Gilreath & Associates, Inc
Calhoun, GA
706-602-7667
allan@allangilreath.com - www.allangilreath.com
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Like the jig but old Steinway whippen heels are not flat on the bottom but require felt to be fitted to the slot. I first glue on the red underfelt ( thin key bushing cloth)

and then cut the cushion felt slightly oversize.  Using hot glue there is no need for tape or other means to hold the felt in place. Maintains nice rounded profile

per original.

Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2025 08:50
From: Allan Gilreath
Subject: Gluing on wippen heel cloths

Hello Alan,

Like you, it's been a while since I've had need of replacing wippen cushions.

I apologize for being a bit slow but I dug out my jig for that job and am inserting a picture. I used a shaped caul and hot hide glue then cut them apart after all was dry. This is a fast and consistent method and I'm sure I got the idea (almost 20 years ago) from someone else; maybe Bill Spurlock? Using this method makes quick work of spreading glue (even the under cushion felt), clamping the strips then quick cutting with a razor blade and, if necessary, cleaning up fibers with a flat iron. The end block is glued to the base and the other blocks are loose to slide to the necessary positions and cauls are just cut to convenient length depending on how many wippens you want to glue at a time. A bar clamp along the length on the flange side assists even more in alignment.

I hope this helps!

------------------------------
Allan Gilreath, RPT
Registered Piano Technician & President
Allan Gilreath & Associates, Inc
Calhoun, GA
706-602-7667
allan@allangilreath.com - www.allangilreath.com
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