I am in the process of rebuilding my Bradbury Artrio Angelus piano with
the Wilcox & White diaphragm pouch action.  Earlier this year I did a
full restoration on the spoolbox assembly, covered it up, and set it
aside to move on to other parts of the job.  I just uncovered it to take
a look at it and discovered that some new leather nuts I installed on a
threaded steel rod (part of the transmission) have corroded and rusted
the steel rod.

Now these are new leather nuts I purchased either from Schaff or Organ
Supply.  What chemical in the leather might be causing this?  How do I
eliminate this problem?

There are some old leather nuts used on the stack.  These are all
original, and there is absolutely no corrosion on the steel rod where
the nuts are.   But these nuts are almost black in color, as if they had
been soaked in something prior to  being installed.  Neatsfoot oil
perhaps?  These old nuts are obviously free of whatever chemical from
the tanning process is causing steel corrosion.  What gives?  Does
anyone know of leather nuts that won't corrode?

Dave Krall