Overview
In this lesson from The Artisan School, we walk through how to diagnose and perform grand piano hammer flange repinning, which is one of the most impactful services for improving playability. As you learn pianocraft and progress toward becoming a skilled technician, we demonstrate how to identify tight centers through feel and swing testing, safely remove the action, and use an efficient assembly line approach to complete the work with consistency and speed.
This training is designed to help you become a piano technician, whether you are just starting out or expanding your hands-on skills beyond how to tune a piano into advanced repair and service work like Burning and Traveling Hammers, Voicing, Repinning etc.
What You’ll Learn
- How to identify when repinning is needed (tight vs. loose centers)
- How to remove and organize the action for service
- The essential tools required for repinning
- Proper techniques for removing and installing center pins
- How to size pins and test for correct swing
- How to maintain spacing and alignment during reinstallation
- Why an assembly line workflow dramatically increases efficiency
Key Concepts
- Swing Test: We use swing testing to evaluate friction and determine proper pin sizing
- Assembly Line Workflow: Repeating the same task across sections saves significant time and increases consistency
- Precision Matters: Small adjustments in pin sizing and felt removal have a big impact on touch and performance
- Leave What Works: If a flange is functioning properly, we don’t disturb it
Service Application
This is a high value service that can dramatically improve a piano’s touch and responsiveness. We use this as an opportunity to:
- Educate the customer on what they’re feeling
- Demonstrate the issue visually (before and after swing test)
- Position the service as restoring the piano back to factory performance
Business and Communication
We don’t just perform the work, we communicate it clearly:
- Show the customer the problem (tight or inconsistent movement)
- Explain the process in simple terms
- Price based on total time including pickup, shop work, and reinstall
- Position this as a premium service that enhances their playing experience
Takeaway
Repinning is not just a repair, it is a transformation in how the piano feels and performs! As part of your journey through Pianocraft this level of work moves you beyond simply learning how to tune a piano. It's also these essential repairs like replacing a broken string, a hammer shank, piano voicing, etc
When done correctly, it creates a noticeable improvement for the player and opens the door to higher level service work, like piano regulation helping you learn pianocraft, grow your confidence, and ultimately become a piano technician capable of delivering premium results in the field.
