Removing a String from the Piano

The tools required are shown below :

• Cardboard to protect the frame and soundboard from scratching
• Tuning hammer or lever to turn the wrestpin
• A good stout awl to lever out the becket
• Multiplying side-cutters and/or end-cutters
• Stringing hook for lifting the strings if necessary

Turn the pin about half a turn to remove all the tension in the string and to bring the becket to a position where it can be levered out without obstruction from neighbouring wrestpins.

After protecting the piano from accidental scratching, cut the wire just forward of the front bridge.

Push or gently knock the awl between the wrestpin and the wire where the becket enters the pin.

With the top of the wrestpin as the fulcrum, push the awl over to lever out the becket and remove the coils form the pin. This can usually be done in one simple movement.