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Hello all,

We recently bought a grand piano for ourselves and our kids. Our youngest is only two, which explains why we spent part of the day yesterday digging modelling clay out of the keyhole and replacing the hinge pins she pulled out of the lid.

The modelling clay is annoying, but now that she knows the hinge pins come out I'm afraid she'll keep pulling them out when I'm not looking. It's a fast way to cause damage to people and property to attempt to open a grand piano lid that is no longer attached at the hinges.

So - does anybody know of a way to secure the pins into the hinges without causing any damage to the piano, and leaving it functioning? I do like to open the lid sometimes, although I guess I could give it up until our kids are a little older.

Thanks.

Bend 'em a little so there's more friction, making removal more difficult.

As I read this I flashed on a story a tech told me just a few weeks ago. another tuner friend of his was working on a piano some 16 stories up over Wilshire blvd (a very busy main street) while at their condo in Westwood. The tech opened the lid up and it slid right through the plate glass window and "sailed" down into the traffic below! To this day, both techs check the pins before opening the tops.....lol. Btw, nobody was hurt or even cut but it did stop traffic.

I was going to suggest a cotter pin type set up but small hands could still work the pin out (if they're determined). I can only think of locking the lid shut. Maybe there's a pin that is just long enough so it sits inside the hinge and would require a punch to remove. I would think that's risky though cause it could work itself out too. I would repost this in the tech forum. those guys (and ladies, sorry sam!) know way more than I could possibly think of........blob

Hi Concertina,

Many times at PW there are lots of repetitive questions, but I gotta admit, this is a new one. Usually the loose pin hinges are fairly snug and a toddler wouldn't have the strength to pull them out. My only suggestion would be to contact a cabinet maker or furniture repair shop and see if they can find slightly larger diameter pins. They probably vary by manufacturer or even how they are plated. Other than that, you could probably find replacement tight pin hinges to use until the kids grow up.

About the clay, good luck! Remember to take all of the other child safety measures.

I was typing as others were responding. Terminaldegree's answer borders on genius!

If loading them up with 120volts of electricity and threats of a horrible and painful death don't work, just cut the L off the hinge pin. Keep a spare pin or something around so you can tap the pin out when you want to take the lid off.

This would make a lovely forum signature...

Checking lid pins on both grands and verticals is tuning 101. Even when the lid is already in the up position when you first arrive, check for pins. Mute handles make good temporary pins if needed.

I saw a school piano once on which the hinge pins had been replaced by split pins. It didn't look very elegant but they are extremely difficult to remove unless you have pliers to straighten them.

I also think that you should avoid any solution which requires you to 'drift' the pins (ie whack them with a punch and a hammer) in order to remove them as you risk gouging a chunk out of the case if (when) you miss.

Greetings,
What techs learn, usually the hard way, is to always check the lid pins before we lift. I think everyone should.

Inre your pin and toddler combo, I would replace them with nails. ( pins, not toddlers). Get a size that is a snug fit, give it just enough of a bend so that it requires a tool to remove, and tap it in with a piece of wood. The point should protrude to deter the determined digits of your child. Save the pins for when he outgrows the urge. (and don't try to save them in the bench...).

REgards,

Jean Paul's solution is a good idea. For the North American contingent, I think the common name for what he is suggesting is a 'cotter pin.' They are readily available in many diameters and lengths.

Who, pray, is Jean Paul?

Oops! - So Sorry! - Brain Fart! - My Bad! - Pope?



Bless me Papa for I have sinned.

To err is human, to forgive divine.

Consider yourself forgiven, Malcolm.

Thanks, Juan.