John McClure:  I'm a new subscriber and haven't yet e-mailed my
introduction, but I wanted to help you with your broken agraffe.

I've replaced a few agraffes, always on Steinways.  They used two
sizes: 7/32" and 1/4".  It is usually the 7/32" small one that breaks.
I've heard that some didn't have the threads all the way to the
shoulder, and that may be why they break.  Both sizes agraffes have
36 threads per inch.  Taps are not usually available except from piano
supply houses and they are not cheap.

One way to remove broken agraffes is to grind a slot for a screw driver
in the broken piece with a Dremel tool, then just unscrew it.  You may
already have a hole in it; the trick is to have the hole perfectly cen-
tered, not an easy trick.  "Easy Outs" are usually a reversed spiral.

I have a couple of removers that are square and tapered -- they may
work better.  You could try to use them from the bottom, which may
work.  A penetrating oil may help and heat may help too.  If the hole
is well centered I've tried to keep enlarging the hole until I either
get it out or I've ruined the threads (hasn't happened yet).

In any case you may have to chase the threads with a tap if you can't
get the new one started.  If you ruin the threads you could always
drill it oversize and retap for the quarter inch agraffe.

I share your fear of breaking off a hardened tool in the hole.  Of
course you will need to pull the action to get at the bottom and
prevent any metal chips from getting in the action as well as keeping
and keeping oil out.

A friend just told me that the local small plane airport sells a
fantastic penetrating oil called "Mouse Milk".  I've never seen it or
used it.  I don't even know how to milk a mouse.  Hope this helps.

Carl Meyer
cmpiano@earthlink.net

 [ Jon Page and Dean Randall suspect that the piano is a Steinway M,
 [ which they say is notorious for broken agraffes!  -- Robbie