
You can repair your piano hammer in a few different ways. You could do it using a plastic straw, a sleeve, or a twin found around the hammershank and pour glue. It is possible for a trained piano technician to assess the head and shank, and if needed, repair the instruments.
Can piano hammers and hammer shanks be repaired?
Repairing the hammers and hammer shanks can restore the proper tones. For the highest-quality repair or replacement, work with an expert piano technician to rebuild and preserve your fine piano. Why Repair Piano Hammers and Hammer Shanks?
What happens if you break a piano hammer?
A broken, misaligned or damaged piano hammer can have a significant effect on your ability to play. Your instrument may have muffled voicing or some keys may fail to sound a note. Repairing the hammers and hammer shanks can restore the proper tones.
Why does my piano sound bad when I play it?
Poor voicing and dead keys are easy-to-recognize problems that may link back to a damaged hammer. The density and resiliency of a hammer’s head impact how your piano sounds. A hammer head that is too dense creates a harsh tone, so it will need to be softened.

How do you restore a hammer on a piano?
0:4115:10Hammer Filing and Shaping - Piano Tuning & Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what what you want to do and what this does is by by reshaping or filing the Hammers is is itMoreSo what what you want to do and what this does is by by reshaping or filing the Hammers is is it brings the shape of the hammer back in to where where it should be oftentimes.
How do you fix a loose hammer on a piano?
2:075:01Repairing Loose Hammer Flanges - Piano Tuning & Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd yeah because that pin is too loose. This flange will the hammer can go back and forth funky cuzMoreAnd yeah because that pin is too loose. This flange will the hammer can go back and forth funky cuz it's not all the way in there. And. So what we're gonna have to do is put a bigger pin in.
Can you replace a broken hammer on a piano?
To repair or replace piano hammers or hammer shanks correctly, hire a qualified professional. A trained piano technician can assess the head and shank and make any necessary repairs. More significant damage, such as a broken hammer, may call for a complete replacement.
How much is it to fix a hammer on a piano?
Voicing: Cost ranges from $95 to $200 depending on needs: Changing or restoring the beauty of your piano's tone through a combination of hammer voicing (adjusting or reconditioning the hammer felts), piano action adjustments, and string leveling.
How do you replace a hammer shank on a piano?
13:1326:42Upright Hammer Shank Replacement - Piano Tuning & Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we're going to do is i'm going to check the the i'm going to put it in the hammer butt firstMoreSo what we're going to do is i'm going to check the the i'm going to put it in the hammer butt first so that we can install that back into the piano. And that's really tight.
What causes the piano hammer stick?
The most common cause of sticky piano keys is the key slip being too close to the front of the white keys. Objects like coins and trash lodged underneath the keys, dirty rail pins, and broken hammer parts. Built up moisture also has a significant effect on keys sticking or moving fluidly.
Should I replace piano hammers?
If your piano has begun to sound harsh and unpleasant when once it was mellow and sublime, it might be time to replace the hammers. The original design of a piano governs the basic character of the instrument's tone, but the deterioration of its hammers over time will undoubtedly change its tone for the worse.
How often should piano hammers be replaced?
How frequently piano hammers need to be replaced depends on how often the piano is used. Pianos used frequently and vigorously, like concert pianos, need to have their hammers replaced about every five years. A piano used less often may only require hammer replacement every ten years.
How long do piano hammers last?
Piano hammers last 4 to 8 years on a regularly used instrument. Instruments that are only used occasionally such as performance grand pianos can last north of 10 years. Proper care of the piano hammers, regular maintenance, and voicing can help extend the life of the hammers.
How much does it cost to replace the hammers on an upright piano?
Hammers (set): $860.00-$1,110.00.
What do worn piano hammers look like?
2:234:13How to Buy a Great Used Piano - Step 4 inspect the hammers and tuning ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that's okay so just make sure you take a look at the hammers. And know that if you see anythingMoreAnd that's okay so just make sure you take a look at the hammers. And know that if you see anything that's not straight and out of line broken falling apart eaten by animals.
How do you bore a piano hammer?
6:3314:49How to Bore a Replacement Piano Hammer - Piano Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut most upright pianos have shanks that are seven thirty seconds of an inch. Okay. So you don'tMoreBut most upright pianos have shanks that are seven thirty seconds of an inch. Okay. So you don't want to use a 7/32 inch drill bit because then the the shank is gonna be too tight in the hole.
How do you replace a hammer on a grand piano?
0:254:25How to Install New Piano Hammers - How to replace piano hammersYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you'll send in the hammer with the shank I'll just unscrew it at the flange. Make sure to removeMoreBut you'll send in the hammer with the shank I'll just unscrew it at the flange. Make sure to remove the bridle strap. Same thing goes for grand pianos but obviously no bridle strap.
What is a piano hammer?
The hammer is the part of the action that makes the piano unique from other keyboard instruments such as the harpsichord and clavichord. The Hammer begins its movement when the jack and repetition lever push up on the hammer knuckle. The knuckle has an outer layer made of leather (1), and an inner felt core (2).
How do you make a hammer on a piano?
1:084:29What are Piano Hammers Made of? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd now in a hammer the hammer is pressure reps so if this is the core of the hammer this felt isMoreAnd now in a hammer the hammer is pressure reps so if this is the core of the hammer this felt is pressure wrapped like this. So if and then they staple it on either side.
How do you bore a piano hammer?
6:3314:49How to Bore a Replacement Piano Hammer - Piano Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut most upright pianos have shanks that are seven thirty seconds of an inch. Okay. So you don'tMoreBut most upright pianos have shanks that are seven thirty seconds of an inch. Okay. So you don't want to use a 7/32 inch drill bit because then the the shank is gonna be too tight in the hole.
Why Repair Piano Hammers and Hammer Shanks?
Poor voicing and dead keys are easy-to-recognize problems that may link back to a damaged hammer. The density and resiliency of a hammer’s head impact how your piano sounds. A hammer head that is too dense creates a harsh tone, so it will need to be softened. If the head is not dense enough, you’ll experience a muffled tone and will need to replace or reshape the hammers to achieve a more articulate tone.
How does a hammer affect a piano?
A broken, misaligned or damaged piano hammer can have a significant effect on your ability to play. When hammers become worn they begin to flatten out and develop deep string grooves, this creates a harsh and unpleasant tone. If a note is failing to sound altogether it may be that the hammer shank has broken and needs to replaced. Repairing the hammers and hammer shanks can do wonders for the sound of your piano . For the highest-quality repair or replacement, work with an expert piano technician to rebuild and preserve your fine piano.
Does Bradfield Piano work on Steinway?
Our factory-trained team is qualified to work on pianos from all manufacturers. In addition to repair and maintenance, Bradfield Piano offers Steinway restorations and piano refinishing for all of your piano service needs.
Can you fix a hammer shank on a piano?
Repairing a piano hammer or hammer shank on your own could cost more time and money in the long run. DIY projects may provide a quick fix, but the patched joint could break again and create a more significant issue. There are some old tricks like using a plastic straw, some other type of repair sleeve or just wrapping a bunch a twin around the hammer shank and pouring some glue on it. These solutions may work in a pinch but they don’t last very long and can create other problems in the action.
