DIY Piano Tuning Wrench

[jal395]

The piano tuning peg is square and tapered from about 5.5mm to 6.5 mm. Square with slightly rounded corners. I was thinking 6mm 12pt deep. The real question is drive handle. what is the longest 1/4 drive handle out there? Preferably a breaker bar. Any other ideas? I could buy a dedicated wrench but where's the fun in that?

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

spline wrench?

 

[Hetman]

It won't work, you need a bigger socket.

 

[srmofo]

fixing a stripped/rounded out piano peg does not sound cheap. Use the right tool for the job

 

[stoveboltgunnut]

I'm a die hard DIY'er, but I would not touch a piano tuning job! (especially without the right wrench)

 

[jal395]

I actually have a 1/4 spline wrench that fits okay, but the pegs are packed to tight to turn the middle ones. It will have to be a socket. I agree you need the right tool for the job. I just wanted the satisfaction of getting a better more versatile tool (more fun) that still is the right tool. I may be asking for trouble, but if it was in tune we wouldn't be having this conversation.

 

[Plasmatic]

Definitely get the right tool for that -- you are just asking to round it off using a 12pt. Besides, why would you pass up an opportunity to get a shiny new specialized tool?

If you still insist on going it on your own, maybe try to find an 8 point socket of the appropriate dimensions?

I know that drums use a similar drive style (not quite as tapered but about the same size square), and it is available in bit form:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E1IO6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Perhaps they have something like that for piano pegs?

Also, make sure you have a well-calibrated strobe tuner, and read up on temperament and stretch tuning or you will end up with a very funny-sounding piano.

 

[383 240z]

How about drilling a pilot hole in the end of a 1/2" CR steel. heat it light yellow with and oxy torch set and hammer a used tuning peg into it. It's called blacksmithing!!! Then you can polish and heat treat till it's perfect. Keith

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Hold on here...6 MM is right about 1/4". How about using a 1/4 drive 1/4 8 point...and try it upside down!
The drive end is an actual square, of couse, so easier on the pins. If ambitious, a dremel might add some taper or improve corner fit. If the works, the 8 point end will fit youe 1/4 extension and you are on your way.
1/4 breaker bars are rather short, so get a sliding T handle and add a piece of steel tube slid over the handle to add length for better control.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Dammit, Frank, you're spoiling all the fun!

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

Dammit, Frank, you're spoiling all the fun!

Well, i think the wrench would be the least of his tuning problems. But then again, maybe he has sweet ears...

 

[jal395]

Cool, Frank that would be nice. I'll just have to find another way to justify buying tools then.... And as for t1's comment, I have this:

What's the difference between a piano and a carburetor?
I might be able to tune a carb.

 

[Alchymist]

Cool, Frank that would be nice. I'll just have to find another way to justify buying tools then.... And as for t1's comment, I have this:

What's the difference between a piano and a carburetor?
I might be able to tune a carb.

But can you tune a fish?

 

[rlitman]

Would a tap socket fit? Those are square drive.