Correct screwdriver size and type for tonebar screws etc

[Quatschmacher]

Hi all,

sorry for being dumb, I used the search function and couldn't find what I was looking for.

Can anybody tell me the correct screwdriver type and size for the tonebar screws? I have limited tools at home at not very much experience with the different sizes. The ones I have don't have the best fit.

Also other tools needed, from what I can gather are:

1/4 inch nut driver for the pickup screw

5/16 inch nut driver for the tine-to-tonebar screw

Are these correct? Also are there any other sizes of driver I might need for other screws (such as the harp mounting screws, which are missing on my piano)?

The reason I ask is that a friend works for a tool company so I can get a discount from him  - I want to give him a list so he can price it for me.

Thanks,

Peter

[Ben Bove]

I don't know the exact size but I use the "big phillips screwdriver" on the tonebar settings  

[Quatschmacher]

That's what I'm using at the moment but it has stripped a couple of screw threads, which is why I need one with a better fit (or better screws).

[axg20202]

I think the answer to this is that you are most likely using a pozidrive screwdriver, while the screws are Phillips head - using the wrong driver has a tendency to damage the screw heads. I also find that the tonebar screws are naturally quite soft and the heads strip easily. What you can do is get a complete set of replacement pozi screws (with additional cup washer to replace the standard flat washers) from Major Key. It's a long, boring job but you do end up with tougher tonebar screws that have more modern heads on them. An added bonus is that the cup washers are less likely to squash/deform the grommets.

[Quatschmacher]

I going to get a set of screw and nut drivers in the next few days.

I have been considering getting an updated screw kit but the Major Key and Vintage Vibe kits are so expensive considering you can buy those screws and grommets at a hardware store for less than half the price. I was looking into getting parts from the McMaster website as recommended by dnarkosis of this forum, unfortunately my frind who is in the USA at the moment can't bring them back because he has a lot of stuff to sort out and no spare time while he's there (his mum's terminally ill). I'm going to see if I can find the screws in a place like Wickes in the UK. I might have to order the grommets from one of the Rhodes parts places though.

[MikeMalone]

For the MArk V setup, screws are basic #8 with non threaded end. Finishing (cup style) washers #6. ANY hardware store carries em. Grommets are $24 from Vintage Vibe. They DO make a difference.

[axg20202]

I going to get a set of screw and nut drivers in the next few days.
going to see if I can find the screws in a place like Wickes in the UK. I might have to order the grommets from one of the Rhodes parts places though.

You can look, of course, but I don't think you will find them. The correct screws have a bare shank below the head to accommodate the grommet. I couldn't find anything suitable in the UK. I do remember negotiating the cost of the screws with Major Key because I too thought they were overpriced. They were willing to agree a new price.

[james]

As an FYI, Major Key is out of business.  But anyway, I'd recommend the Mark V flat head + cup washer solution Mike mentioned above. It's simple, cheap and it works.

[MikeMalone]

Ace Hardware 5 minutes from my house had em (about 10 bux for all the screws and washers I needed). Theyre not that hard to find and yes, as I mentioned above, they have to be bare on top  to accomodate the washer. Typical flat head wood screws.

[Quatschmacher]

Wow! $10 is cheap. I think I've found the right ones here in the UK but they still are pricey:

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Stainless-Steel-Woodscrews/Stainless-Steel-Pozi-CSK-Woodscrews/invt/156694

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Nuts-and-Washers/Brass-Screw-Cup-Washers/invt/156559

Do these look right? If so I think I'll see if I can find them at a local (non-chain) hardware store for less.