Loose Jack Flange

Focus On: Regluing Loose Jack Flanges On older uprights, a repair which is commonly needed is that of regluing jack flanges which have broken loose. The jack is the part responsible for giving the hammer butt / hammer assembly the needed push to- ward the strings when the key is depressed. As such, it is under continual stress when the piano is played. When the glue joint of a jack flange fails, as in the above photo, the corre- sponding note will suddenly quit working, usually in a spot on the keyboard which is frequently used. Your piano currently has a note / notes affected by this problem. Although this is a seemingly simple repair, it is one that only a qualified piano technician should attempt. Since the jack flange is located in the middle of the action, use of any tools in an incorrect manner is likely to cause more damage to surrounding parts. The joint which comes unglued is ac- tually a miniature mortise, and getting the two parts to fit together requires a great deal of patience and practice. Special 8" long tweezers used to position parts. In the case of a piano action where this particular problem occurs frequently, having all the jacks reglued might be an option to consider. By deliberately separating each jack flange / whippen joint (the part it is glued to) for regluing, future problems hap- pening in between servicing appointments (and the frustration of having notes suddenly quit working) may be avoided. To properly do this job, it would make sense to transport the piano action to the workshop. While the action was in the shop, any other work which the action needs to have done could be attended to as well if so desired. \ A very tricky operation getting the parts to fit snug.. The Piano Owner's Heads-Up Guide to Important Piano Maintenance - Jema Pianos