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Piano Board => Instruments => Topic started by: faulty_damper on March 06, 2005, 09:27:19 PM

Title: Grain alcohol to ease center pins
Post by: faulty_damper on March 06, 2005, 09:27:19 PM

I've used APSCO center pin lubricant to ease my center pins.  I have no idea what was in it.  Is it grain alcohol or is it a lubricant?

Also, I think my center pin bushings need to be eased so should grain alcohol be the choice?  I've read that Vodka can be used.  And what percentage of alcohol to water should the alcohol need to be to shrink the felt?

Title: Re: Grain alcohol to ease center pins
Post by: rich_galassini on March 07, 2005, 03:18:22 AM

Quote

Also, I think my center pin bushings need to be eased so should grain alcohol be the choice? I've read that Vodka can be used. And what percentage of alcohol to water should the alcohol need to be...

I usually use 4 oz. per martini.  ;)

Title: Re: Grain alcohol to ease center pins
Post by: westman on March 20, 2005, 10:27:23 PM

To ease the center pin action I believe the preferred technique is to mix 9 parts denatured alcohol (ethanlo) to one part water, then insert an oversized pin into the bushing, apply the mixture and then let it dry. Remove the oversize pin and reassemble using the correct pin. The mixture is not a lubricant per se.

There are graphite lubricants that are mixed with alcohol, leaving the graphite behind when the alcohol evaporates.

Whether or not vodka can be substituted, I don't know. Although using vodka after the repair will undoubtedly make the piano sound better ;D