It looks like there is a bit of a stub still sticking out. You might cut a screwdriver slot with a multi- tool and fine metal cutting blade, or with a cutting wheel in a dremel tool. Once you can get a small screwdriver blade into slot, tap on screwdriver with a hammer to get it to move counterclockwise. A little oil will help it move. One full turn should expose enough of the stub that you can get it out with needle nosed vise grip pliers. Like removing a agraffe when there is a stub above the plate, just smaller screw.
If that doesn't work, remove screw on other side, lift Fallboard from that end and muscle it out of piano. The screw is so small, it can't really hold the Fallboard in place when using the whole Fallboard as a lever. You'll undoubtedly scratch up the inside of the case although a thin piece of sheet metal (like roofing flashing)could be used to protect the inside arm of the case. Once it is out, remove bracket from Fallboard, grind screw flat, and either drill it out or cut the other end off inside the bracket, so it just slips into place on that end and other end holds it. Or better yet, if you can modify both ends so it is like a Yamaha Fallboard, then there won't be a future problem on other side.
A fair amount of work for a piano long past whatever its best days were, so first tell the client they should consider this a sign the piano is due (overdue) for replacement. There could be other instances of metal fatigue just waiting to be found in the other 6k screws in the piano.
David Graham
Graham Piano Service, Inc.
512 S. Main St.
Sycamore IL 60178
815-353-5450
Original Message:
Sent: 5/18/2023 9:21:00 PM
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Removing a Broken Fallboard Screw
Hi all,
I recently worked on a 1915 Kranich & Bach grand. Awful piano with lots of problems, but nice clients. As I was putting everything back together for the final time, the right fallboard screw broke off at the head. See the attached pictures. Thankfully everything was completed so I don't have to worry about this for a bit (hopefully), but may have to deal with it in the future. My question is, how would I go about removing the fallboard next time? Any ideas?
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Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
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