Snagging key...

[Soulsaver]

I thought the 'how do I..' has been a bit quiet so I'd 'air' a couple of questions:

I have an Excelsior on which the 2nd F key above middle C - snags if I've reached down with my pinky for it - ie it only snags when you push it toward the G; when you're that side of the board & press straight down, it doesn't happen?
It's not a big problem just one of those slight niggles that distract a little when it happens. None of the other keys exhibit this tendency.

I've not seen behind the keys on an Excelsior, I dont fancy removing the keys, except as a last resort as (think) they're on a spindle, which will be fiddly?

Any of you knowledgeable types any idea what's happening behind the key?

 

[JIM D.]

Hi Ed; When I get a key hanging up complaint I always remove the grill first, as in some cases the problem just might be the pallet on the key rod rubbing on an adjoining pallet. Remove your grill and check this first and if your Excelsior has Sordina (sliding mute) this will also have to be removed. If this is not the problem you will have to pull the spindle up to the hanging key and some filling and lubrication may be in order. JIM D.

 

[Puxto]

This will sound really stupid and obvious, but worth mentioning but just in case, have you checked the back ends of the keys? I recently had a couple snagging, and sounding a bit rattley on a fairly new delicia. Thought it was something spindle/washer related untill I noticed one of the little black plastic "ends" of the keys was dangling off and rattling about and catching on other keys, and just needed some carefull regluing back in place, I ended up having to re-glue the ends of about 6 keys, a minor manufacturing fault I guess. I had looked under the grill but just hadn't thought to look there. Was actually quite relieved that it was that simple and fixable. Unlikely you'd have the same problem I know, but thought I'd mention it anyway..

 

[Soulsaver]

Puxto, it doesn't sound stupid to me & it dont take long to check - but that isn't the problem, thanks you and Jim for the suggestions - I've checked it & it's neither of those. I've repeatedly pushed the key up and down at the snag point and it's better - less of a catch so looks like it may 'work' away the prob. It's not enough of a problem to warrant unhinging the keys... unless it really starts to get on my nerves...

 

[JIM D.]

Ed this might sound silly but you might try blowing a small amount of talcum powder between the keys. It will make your friction point slippery and just might solve your problem. JIM D.

 

[Puxto]

Ed this might sound silly but you might try blowing a small amount of talcum powder between the keys. It will make your friction point slippery and just might solve your problem. JIM D.

That sounds kinda scary! And chances are you know a lot more than me but, wow really?

 

[JIM D.]

The Talcum won't hurt it a bit just sprinkle a small amount in the crack between the keys. JIM D.

 

[Puxto]

If it wasn't on this forum, and I hadn't already seen enough from various threads to know that you know what you're talking about, I would think that's completely bonkers But I'll take your word for it! I still have a couple of very slightly sticky black keys so may consider it if they get any worse, am hoping they'll "break in" a bit.. Cheers for the bizarre tip. As a bit of a novice and someone far from "handy" little things like that can save someone like me an expensive journey to then watch someone to do a simple 2 minute job I could have done at home! Really do learn something new everyday on here! :tup:

 

[Soulsaver]

Taking that a bit further Jim - what about dry powder PTFE spray? Too uncontrollable? You think talc a better option?
I think there may be a little bit of spru on the plastic or something similar. I cant feel anything suspicious with a blade in the crevice between the FG keys in question - but it certainly doesn't snag with blade between them.

 

[Soulsaver]

Ah - I've sussed the problem - The F key being shaped round the black key has the narrowest body of the lower keys being one before 3 blacks - this allows it to be slightly less rigid than the others. Now if I stetch down for it I tend to push it against the next (G) key- where there is a tiny bit of plastic jutting from the black trim under the key at the outer tip. I'll get a finger nail emery board from t'other half and a couple of strokes in there and it'll be cured.:tup:

 

[Soulsaver]

And it is cured - perfect. Thanks for the support guys - nice to find an easy solution. Just shows how little this 1304 has been played. It would have really racked me off if I'd have took all the keys out to find that...

 

[JIM D.]

Yes Ed the Ptfe sprays work well and are my # 1 lube sans oils such as WD-40, but be aware the vehicle in these sprays use acetone and are harmful to plastic,painted and cellulose coverings. Talc or talcum powder is a harmless slippery substance that will work at times without the hassle of dis-assembly. JIM D.

 

[Soulsaver]

Yes Ed the Ptfe sprays work well and are my # 1 lube sans oils such as WD-40, but be aware the vehicle in these sprays use acetone and are harmful to plastic,painted and cellulose coverings. Talc or talcum powder is a harmless slippery substance that will work at times without the hassle of dis-assembly. JIM D.

Thanks Jim - good point...well made. :tup:

 

[Adam-T]

WD40 itself is safe on paint and celluloid - in fact it makes a very good cleaner on these surfaces to remove annoying stickers

 

[jarvo]

But it does rot plastic ...be advised ....we used it to clean the contacts on early games controllers in the late 70's and 80's........claned up sticky contacts a treat.....until the plastic hand controllers fell to bits !! From the inside out....we soon discovered why !

 

[JIM D.]

Hi Jarvo; You are quite correct, When using WD-40 on a musical instrument I apply it to the metal parts only and with a small brush or Q-tip, never sprayed on. WD-40 contains Petroleum Distillates which will eat into all types of plastics in time. JIM D.

 

[Soulsaver]

Just for the avoidance of doubt - we HAVE migrated to talking about WD40 light oil re cleaning & and decaying plastics? - not WD40 dry PTFE?