Removing bellows pins

[Guernseyman]

OK. My bellows strap screw has fallen into the accordion and I would like to buy a new strap and fit it. What do you use to remove bellows pins (it's a 32 year old Sonola Festival) so that I can recover the screw and then replace the strap? Idea please people - I've never done this before.

 

[Buttons]

'I know nothing'...... but .....watched a tuner remove the pins from my box with an ordinary pair of pliars. He may have done it with some care, but you could wrap a rubber band or elastoplast arond them first. Best wishes.

 

[fjsys]

I have used a butter knife and a rag to pry them up a little, then my fingers to remove them in the past.
Pliers work well for the stubborn ones, but do tend to mark up the pins.

I have often thought about getting some nippers, dulling them up, then using them, but as of yet my fingers and the pliers have sufficed.

The most important thing, as I have always been told, is to make sure they go back in the same hole they came out of.

Ben

 

[Glenn]

I have the same issue with my Marinucci.
I think the bellows strap screw sheered and the nut fell into the body of the bass mechanism.
I decided just to leave it.
If I turn it on it's feet I hear it move but so far it has caused no harm.
I just used a regular screw to mount the new strap.
This comes loose sometimes as there is no nut on the inside but it's no big deal.

 

[Tom]

I use "pincer pliers". ( do a google image search). I think some people use a small round file to make a nothc in the center but i have not found it necessary.

Good luck!

 

[simonking]

I use pincer pliers. ( do a google image search). I think some people use a small round file to make a nothc in the center but i have not found it necessary.

Good luck!

Same here, they are also called small end cutters or end cutting pliers. You dont need to file and hole but you dont want really sharp endges either. I got some surprisingly good ones in a pound shop. Im sure Lidl have them in a set from time to time too.

 

[jasonmiller]

Easy, take pliers and remove these pins, and it all comes apart. Be sure to keep track of which pins go where and put them back in the same location.

 

[pentaprism]

I use a tack puller, a few $ from most hardware stores. I put a piece of leather under the puller to protect the accordion surface.

 

[Guernseyman]

Thanks everyone for your help. Do the pins come out easily and are there any hidden things I might need to know eg. What about dust etc

 

[pentaprism]

The pins will come out pretty easily.

Unless you are in a woodworking shop (my garage ;-) ), dont worry too much about dust.

BTW, my Cavagnolo didnt come with bellows straps. I added them later:

 

[smdc66]

BTW, my Cavagnolo didnt come with bellows traps. I added them later:

i may consider doing this if i purchase an atlantic i have on approval as i am unsure if the strapless bellows lock works

i may ask for tips here

 

[Soulsaver]

My tip would be fix the strapless mech... I like it.

 

[smdc66]

My tip would be fix the strapless mech... I like it.

this is the plan now that i have seen it in operation and is in working condition

i was worried that the mechanism was broken or damaged

think it just needs tweaking a bit :roll: