Damper head and wire restoration

The process is recorded on different sets of dampers. We've tried all methods of damper felt removal that the brains could storm about. This is the fastest and cleanest way so far. Pull off felt with a plier dry, drop wall paper remover on old glue residue from note 1 (note 67 is usually the last note that has dampers. Steinway D is up to note 71), once all dampers are wet, the first damper received wall paper remover is ready to be worked on, the glue is soft enough to be scraped off. clamp damper head and scrape remaining felt and glue off. 

Hammer numbers on each damper head, then remove old damper wire by pushing out the fluted top part. These wires are too rusty to keep. If wires are in good condition, they can be polished.

These damper heads were refinished per customer's request. We scrubbed the old finish with 3M Scotch-Brite to smooth them out then sprayed them, this batch took 4 thin layers of lacquer. They look better with several thin even coats than one thick ugly coat.

Take out new wires, bend the top down a bit for easy installation. Without bending, the fluted top always want to flatten itself. Hammer the wire top into damper head, then press in with homemade device (thanks to our boss). Press firmly till the wire is solidly bonded in the head.

Work (crime) scene. The dampers are now ready to be trimmed, bent, and installed into piano ^ ^