Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2023 00:51
From: Don Dalton
Subject: Removing a Broken Fallboard Screw
I ran into this problem. I believe I was able to find an easy-out small enough to do as some suggested (or a left-handed drill? Don't remember.) But the main problem you'll have is seeing what you're doing, and for that I used a head-mounted, lighted magnifier: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H8808H6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 This was extremely helpful.
Prior to purchasing the above, I had a small LED magnifier I used to have a look at the problem, something like this: https://tinyurl.com/2k426dpp Mine was much smaller than the one shown and used to look at mushrooms in the field. These things are handy for piano work; mine is always in my bag.
I taped around the metal with painter's tape to protect the wood, and I had to file the broken screw to get enough of a flat surface so I could then get an easy-out going. I believe I first used a small, regular drill bit to start the hole, then the easy-out, working slowly and carefully by hand: no power tools.
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Don Dalton
Chester VT
Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2023 06:32
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Removing a Broken Fallboard Screw
If you take a very small screwdriver (such as one you might use for adjusting drop screws) and sharpen it to almost a knife edge, you should be able to embed it just enough into the remains of the brass screw (with light impact) to get enough purchase on it to turn it out. That would be my first line of attack before drilling.
Peter Grey Piano Doctor
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2023 03:25
From: Steven Rosenthal
Subject: Removing a Broken Fallboard Screw
The first thing I'd try is to attempt get the fall board out of the piano as suggested by Paul. If you can do that you have a lot more options that aren't fraught with damaging the finish etc. Once out you can probably back it out by turning the other end of the screw to where you can get a better purchase on it with pliers or cutting a slot. It's really hard drill out in the position it's in now and a long drill bit that thin is likely to break (I'd get 2 or 3). Also, once out, you can remove the brass fitting from the fall board and put it in a vice to work on.
Those soft brass screws are prone to bending, if one is bent, I don't put it back in when I reinstall the fall board because of the likelihood of it snapping. Fall boards will generally work fine temporarily without the screw.
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Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2023 22:14
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Removing a Broken Fallboard Screw
I have successfully used left hand bits for this purpose numerous times. The advantage is the you are doing your business already in the direction you want the screw to go (rather than tightening with a right hand bit). It will often come out simply with this activity. But if not, at least you're not making it tighter.
Peter Grey Piano Doctor
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2023 14:15
From: Norman Brickman
Subject: Removing a Broken Fallboard Screw
Benjamin, first thing that comes to mind is the same as for a broken agraffe -- an EZOut. Trouble is, I don't know if they come in a small enough size. Try a local hardware store. An example is: https://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-HANSON-Spiral-Extractors-53545/dp/B001D1FXDE (You might also need to purchase a long small-diameter drill bit considering the location of the screw). Regards, Norman.
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Norman Brickman
Potomac Piano Service
Potomac, Maryland
potomacpiano@verizon.net
https://potomacpiano.com
(301) 983.9321
Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2023 09:20
From: James Kelly
Subject: Removing a Broken Fallboard Screw
All of these are good appoaches but if you can get a slot started with a chisel or thin cutting wheel on a dremel you may be able to back out the screw enough to get a needle nose vise grip or even a needle nose pliers. Failing that drilling it out or using an easy out may be your plan B.
I often had that problem on new pianos we had to prep.. The screws where nice brass but really junk soft metal that enlarged the slot or phillips slot when a screwdriver was inserted. It is a good idea to have a stash of this type screw in your kit assuming you can find a fit.
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2023 06:55
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Removing a Broken Fallboard Screw
Benjamin
The screw is probably brass. With a small sharp chisel try to scribe a line in the top of the screw, deep enough to get a small thin screwdriver blade to turn the screw.
Another thing you can try is to use the smallest drill, (probably 1/16") you can find that is used in a power screwdriver, and carefully drill out the screw. There is even an extension to put on the drill bit. The reason you want to use a power driver is because it is thinner and easier to use to get in that small space you're working with.
Good luck.
Wim
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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