Pianotech

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Hey Wim,

Thank you for your interest in helping with this hunt!

The vertical piano let-off screw heads in question are similar to grand drop screws that are "outies" (or "male", as hardware nomenclature would designate them).

Hope that helps you-and others-visualize what I am after.

Best,

Alan

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Hey Wim,

Thank you for your interest in helping with this hunt!

The vertical piano let-off screw heads in question are similar to grand drop screws that are "outies" (or "male", as hardware nomenclature would designate them).

Hope that helps you-and others-visualize what I am after.

Best,

Alan

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Several years ago, I accidently discovered that the so-called "jack regulating screwdriver" offered by piano tech is misnamed. It is completely useless as a jack screwdriver (for jack position) because the shank is way too long and thick. However, it's perfect for spade type let-off screws. 

The part number is JCH-19. 

I've tried to let  Pianotek know about this a couple of times to no avail. 

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Hey Ryan,

As you probably know, Pianotek was absorbed by Schaff. When I spoke to their technical consultant, Allan, he told me that they did not have the tool I was describing, although they used to carry it. Too bad.

When I inquired at our local Piano Supply house here in Los Angeles, Pacific Piano Supply, I learned that they also used to carry this item but no longer do. However, Randy Morton was good enough to dig through his rarely used tool drawer where he found just what I needed and sent it along with an order. I offered to pay him for it, but he declined. What a guy! I owe him one.

Best,

Alan 

Several years ago, I accidently discovered that the so-called "jack regulating screwdriver" offered by piano tech is misnamed. It is completely useless as a jack screwdriver (for jack position) because the shank is way too long and thick. However, it's perfect for spade type let-off screws. 

The part number is JCH-19. 

I've tried to let  Pianotek know about this a couple of times to no avail. 

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

While it's true that Schaff acquired Pianotek, the website is still up and I have ordered items. They said they plan on shutting down the website sometime this year, but while it's working, I just went ahead and ordered 2 of the JCH-19 "Jack Regulating Screw Driver" tools. 

It the fact that the tool is mis-named that may be why they don't think they have it in stock. 

I'll give an update if the tools actually arrive!

Ryan

Hey Ryan,

As you probably know, Pianotek was absorbed by Schaff. When I spoke to their technical consultant, Allan, he told me that they did not have the tool I was describing, although they used to carry it. Too bad.

When I inquired at our local Piano Supply house here in Los Angeles, Pacific Piano Supply, I learned that they also used to carry this item but no longer do. However, Randy Morton was good enough to dig through his rarely used tool drawer where he found just what I needed and sent it along with an order. I offered to pay him for it, but he declined. What a guy! I owe him one.

Best,

Alan 

Several years ago, I accidently discovered that the so-called "jack regulating screwdriver" offered by piano tech is misnamed. It is completely useless as a jack screwdriver (for jack position) because the shank is way too long and thick. However, it's perfect for spade type let-off screws. 

The part number is JCH-19. 

I've tried to let  Pianotek know about this a couple of times to no avail. 

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Wow, Ryan, I was not aware that Pianotek still had an independent website. If what you ordered is what I need, and you don't need two of them. I would be glad to purchase one from you.

While it's true that Schaff acquired Pianotek, the website is still up and I have ordered items. They said they plan on shutting down the website sometime this year, but while it's working, I just went ahead and ordered 2 of the JCH-19 "Jack Regulating Screw Driver" tools. 

It the fact that the tool is mis-named that may be why they don't think they have it in stock. 

I'll give an update if the tools actually arrive!

Ryan

Hey Ryan,

As you probably know, Pianotek was absorbed by Schaff. When I spoke to their technical consultant, Allan, he told me that they did not have the tool I was describing, although they used to carry it. Too bad.

When I inquired at our local Piano Supply house here in Los Angeles, Pacific Piano Supply, I learned that they also used to carry this item but no longer do. However, Randy Morton was good enough to dig through his rarely used tool drawer where he found just what I needed and sent it along with an order. I offered to pay him for it, but he declined. What a guy! I owe him one.

Best,

Alan 

Several years ago, I accidently discovered that the so-called "jack regulating screwdriver" offered by piano tech is misnamed. It is completely useless as a jack screwdriver (for jack position) because the shank is way too long and thick. However, it's perfect for spade type let-off screws. 

The part number is JCH-19. 

I've tried to let  Pianotek know about this a couple of times to no avail. 

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Here's a picture of the tool in an action with spade type let-off screws. 

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Here's a picture of the tool in an action with spade type let-off screws. 

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Les,

Thanks for the tip about this tool. It is indeed still offered by PianoForte Supply (now of Erwin lineage).

Thanks also to Brenda Meng who sent this link for it, just in case others find themselves on a similar hunt: 

https://pianofortesupply.com/products/let-off-regulating-screwdriver-flexible-shaft

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Take it from me (if you like). Stay away from the letoff tools with the rigid shaft. Get the European style with the thin, flexible shaft.

Piano Forte Supply to the rescue, now as then!

Les,

Thanks for the tip about this tool. It is indeed still offered by PianoForte Supply (now of Erwin lineage).

Thanks also to Brenda Meng who sent this link for it, just in case others find themselves on a similar hunt: 

https://pianofortesupply.com/products/let-off-regulating-screwdriver-flexible-shaft

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan

Hey Jurgen,

Just received my flexible shaft let-off screwdriver for spade tipped screws from House of Erwin. A superlative tool indeed!

May the creative powers of the universe bless PianoForte Supply in its various manifestations, and specifically you for creating it and Dale and Company for continuing its legacy.

Alan

Take it from me (if you like). Stay away from the letoff tools with the rigid shaft. Get the European style with the thin, flexible shaft.

Piano Forte Supply to the rescue, now as then!

Les,

Thanks for the tip about this tool. It is indeed still offered by PianoForte Supply (now of Erwin lineage).

Thanks also to Brenda Meng who sent this link for it, just in case others find themselves on a similar hunt: 

https://pianofortesupply.com/products/let-off-regulating-screwdriver-flexible-shaft

A let off regulating tool for uprights with a flexible shaft would sure come in handy. Thanks for the lead, Les.

Jurgen sold his business to the Erwin piano dynasty, so I will follow up by checking with them.

Best,

Alan

Lovin' your DIY suggestion.

Alan, yes, if the angle isn't too acute maybe you could come in below the catcher and above the backchecks.

Sort of a "frontal let-offtomy".

(also, one could take a long rod and cut a slot in it or a long screwdriver with the tip cut off first.)

Both good suggestions, Steven. Thanks so much!

I like the thinking behind the dog leg idea. If I understand you correctly, we would be trying to turn the tool between backcheck wires. Am I envisioning this correctly?

Alan, you can find them on eBay from China, prices have gone up but it's worth perusing.

Also, I don't know if this would work, but what if you bent a dog-leg down near the tip of a 6" tool? 

P. S. To answer your other question, Wim, the piano is a Hardman upright, of relatively recent Chinese origin.

Greetings,

We are in need of one or more let-off button regulating screwdrivers for "spade"-tipped screws in vertical pianos (NOT the screw-eye tip!). Schaff's R-15 is not long enough.

In my personal tools, I have one that is 8" long, made for a combination tool handle. It works great, but was procured back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (acquired from APSCO, R. I. P.!). The school for whom I work has none, and we were just gifted an upright with these kind of let-off screws.

The combo-tool version of this is fine, as would be one with a handle already attached.

Thanks,

Alan