Pianotech

  • 1.  Rusty keypins

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-21-2024 21:30
    Rusty keypinsHello. I have some keypins with rust on them. Removed a lot of gunk using Flitz and elbow grease. What else would you do with rust like this? Its on a handful of keypins both front and balance rail. More passes through with the Flitz? Green 4M scrubby pads? Will this rust come back eventually? Does anyone pull and replace bad keypins? I've never tried that, but I'm wondering about problems that could create by loosening up the fit...etc. Thank you!


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    Cory Jacobson RPT
    Campbellsport WI
    (262) 689-6043
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  • 2.  RE: Rusty keypins

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-21-2024 22:02

    I had this problem once.  The front pins were way too corroded and I pulled them.  The replacements were just a bit too loose for me to be comfortable with, so I tried shimming the front pin holes with sandpaper.  I lined the holes with small squares of sandpaper and press fit the front pins as usual.  Worked like a charm.

    Rusty Corroded Front Pins Requiring Replacement
    Front Pins Shimmed with Sandpaper - Set Up
    Front Pins Shimmed with Sandpaper - Prep
    Front Pins Shimmed with Sandpaper - Press Fit



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    Christopher Storch RPT
    Belmont MA
    (617) 489-6436
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Rusty keypins

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-21-2024 23:19

    Thanks. Wow, looks like you did a great job! I won't be moving this piano to a workshop, but i have the action and keys at home right now. It's an old upright player and the owners want it "reconditioned". These pins aren't as rusty as the ones in your photo, but its not good either... Thanks for sharing! That's awesome. 



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    Cory Jacobson RPT
    Campbellsport WI
    (262) 689-6043
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Rusty keypins

    Posted 02-22-2024 09:39
    The fit of the new pin varies. I've had them tight. 
    Use linesman pliers or side cutters to pull them. You can grab them right near the base so they come up straight and don't splinter the rail. The lever length is perfect from the tip of the tool to the fulcrum. 
    Then if the new pins are loose,, fill the holes with water. Then mix some glue in some water and fill the holes to set the wood and stabilize it against moisture changes. 
    That's usually all it takes but you can shim



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Rusty keypins

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-22-2024 09:05

    Replace them. Key pins are plated so if they are rusting it means the plating is compromised.  Usually the holes in the key frame are drilled through so they can be easily punched out or you can pry them out-use a heavy pair of wire cutters to grip them and a wooden dowel to lever against. If the base is larger than the replacements the supply houses sell inserts. Measure the height of the key frame before you pull them and duplicate that. Press them in using an arbor press or you can use a drill press



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    David Love RPT
    www.davidlovepianos.com
    davidlovepianos@comcast.net
    415 407 8320
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    Original Message