Looking for purchase 1 pair of good pliers. I see 3 different iterations and am curiuos what everyone falls back on. One allows you some access to the keys with the stack still on, or at least they claim you can. Looks like they might sacrafice some strength in the process. Two is operated while the key is off, offering the strongest leverage, and then the adjustable parallel set, which I'm not to keen on, unless I can be convince otherwise.

fire away guys...

thx

if you feel more comfortable, you can pm me

I suggest that you rethink "1" pair.

thx's just seems kinda funny that those pliers happen to be the least $$...?? That's whats got me puzzled and maybe I wasn't seeing things clearly. Are you able to get into the sharps on a grand with the stack on?

I just have one pair. It looks like Pianotek’s #JKE-2. I don’t ease keys in place. But just as often it is the balance hole that is too tight, so I have a balance hole easer that fits into a combination handle. I do not have a balance hole reamer, but there are times I think it would have helped.

My favorite is this pair: Pianotek supply KPL-5F


I think they were almost $100, but they are great because you can ease keys in a grand without having to remove the key. Made in Germany. Nice and shiny!

I prefer a key easing iron ..

Not always a plug handy and slightly more inconvenient ... but worth the extra effort.

I have one set for the shop and a second for travel.

My 2c

Ryan, those are the ones I was referring too.

Larry, like the kit in Pianoteks' site

Yes,

That's the one. I have 2 of those sets.
Peter Gray from Kingston NH came up with the idea and I bought my first set somewhere around 20 years ago.

Bought my second one from Pianotek.

I have a pair of antique easing pliers that were my fathers, just for "emergency"

Ok Larry, let me ask you this, do you use the tapered cauls or straight cut ones. And I'm assuming that you resort to removing the stack, just part of the process. I can see where this set up would be optimal when re-bushing, as the keys are easily accessed.

I like the idea of the key easing iron as a shop tool, but it seems impractical in the field. Every field kit will still need a set of key easing pliers, preferable ones that will allow for not having to remove the key from a grand.

The irons are definitely on my wish list, though!

Tapered cauls.

Definitely when re-bushing.

If I am easing keys in the home, I am removing them to do it.
I warm up the iron while I am preparing the keys, removing the stack etc.

I find the iron both faster and more consistent.

It can be a very aggressive if you are not careful. Like getting a manicure with a belt sander. Doesn't take long to get the feel of.

LOL, I like that analogy. Thanks Larry for the response. Helps alot.