Pianotech

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.

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Christopher Storch RPT
Belmont MA
(617) 489-6436
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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. 

Original Message:
Sent: 02-21-2024 22:01
From: Christopher Storch
Subject: Rusty keypins

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.

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Christopher Storch RPT
Belmont MA
(617) 489-6436
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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