How to Repair Sticking Piano Keys
Pianos are one of the musical instruments that require less maintenance and attention, besides the usual tune-up and cleaning. The environment can be a key to how your piano performs, as humidity causes more moisture to collect in the piano and around the keys, causing them to stick.
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Tissues
- Gloves, if desired
- Thick paper, such as a business card, thinner cardboard or construction paper
Instructions
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1
Press down on the key that is sticking, along with the key next to it. Hold them down firmly and insert the tip of a screwdriver between them, directly in the middle.
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2
Move the screwdriver slightly between the keys so it helps cause alternate movement in a direction the keys are not used to going in. Remove the screwdriver. This works for black and white keys. It is also effective to remove any objects or debris lodged around or under the keys that could be making it stick. Do this procedure carefully and slowly to make sure that there is nothing you need to remove.
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3
Press down on the original white key that was sticking. If it is still sticking, repeat the procedure one more time. If this still doesn't unstick the key or keys, the next step is to try to get rid of any moisture that may be between or under the keys.
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4
Fold the business card or a small piece of construction paper in half. Insert it between the sticking keys and the wood edge of the piano, so the paper is between the keys and wood, and a little under the front edge of the piano key.
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Run the folded paper back and forth, wiggling a little, to collect any moisture or stickiness. If this doesn't work for unsticking the keys, the inside of the piano could be warped or damaged and you may need to call a piano repairman.
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Tips & Warnings
You may have to unscrew and loosen the key slip (the part of the piano in front of the keys) to insert the paper to clear any moisture. Do this by using the screwdriver on the small screw on the upper side of the piano, adjacent to the keys.
Be very careful when messing with piano keys, as poking around them too hard can cause their movement and sound to alter.
- Photo Credit Courtesy of Photobucket
