Sco
You might want to see if Kathy is willing to sell hers, given that a 30 year old, seldom used tool would probably be of better quality than most of what you'd find now, at least at anywhere near reasonable $.
However, if this item
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165217078365
is actually in the condition represented - Armstrong #64-352- I would buy it and worry about what to do with it later. Just as with quality hygrometers, there's a world of difference between 'thinking' you know something and having verification. Never mind having to justify something to a customer. Let's say you came upon a piano with a potential warrantee issue involving loose pins. What are you going to do? Tell the dealer that "they feel pretty loose", or are you able to tell them a number, (measured correctly)?
Only Wim has perfect torque. The rest of us are guessing.
Addendum:
you could also look at this:
https://www.mcmaster.com/5718A46/
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David Skolnik [RPT]
Hastings-on-Hudson NY
(917) 589-2625
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-13-2023 15:46
From: Wim Blees
Subject: current torque wrench/gauge recommendations?
Scott
I didn't realize the one from the supply house is now $250. I can't remember what I paid for mine because it was so long ago, but it has served me well over the years.
Yes, I can tell how tight a pin is, but I use it to show customers how tight the pins are. I tell them ahead of time what the numbers mean, and how tight a pin should be. Then I show them with the numbers with the gauge. It's a very easy way to tell them they need a new pin block.
It looks like the Park tool will work, but you will need to buy a ratchet Star head tuning tip.
Original Message:
Sent: 5/13/2023 12:47:00 PM
From: Scott Cole
Subject: current torque wrench/gauge recommendations?
I'm looking for a torque wrench/gauge. Currently, one of the two big supply houses has one at $250.
I think not...
Park bike tools has one that measures inch/pounds at only about $40:
https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-TW-1-2-Beam-Type-Torque/dp/B09JB5N6K9/ref=asc_df_B09JB5N6K9/?tag=hyprod-20
Would this work?
Harbor Freight has a couple of digital models, and I remember someone recommending one in the Journal, but I can't find it now.
By their specs, they only seem to to read in Ft-lbs, which would be too big of a scale.
Also, I guess the big question is: Does a moderately experienced technician even need one? Can't someone who tunes a lot of pianos simply turn the pin and say either "too low" or "too high," and sense some intermediate values as well?
Kind of like heart rate monitors for biking or running: Sure, you use it a lot for a while, then eventually it ends up in a drawer because it's not very difficult to sense how hard you're working.
thanks!
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Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
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