How To Fix Sunken Piano Keys?

How to Fix Sunken Piano Keys

The sound of a piano is one of the most beautiful and soothing sounds in the world. But when the keys start to sink, it can be a real pain. Not only does it make the piano sound out of tune, but it can also be difficult to play.

If you’re dealing with sunken piano keys, don’t despair. There are a few simple things you can do to fix the problem. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to fix sunken piano keys.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent sunken keys from happening in the future. So whether you’re a piano beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about fixing sunken piano keys.

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Identify the sunken key
2	Remove the key cap
3	Adjust the key spring
4	Replace the key cap

How to Fix Sunken Piano Keys?

Identifying the Cause of Sunken Piano Keys

There are a few possible causes of sunken piano keys. The most common causes are:

• Loose or broken key caps: The key caps are the small, plastic or wooden covers that sit on top of the piano keys. If the key caps are loose or broken, they can cause the keys to sink.
• Damaged or missing key levers: The key levers are the small metal rods that connect the key caps to the key hammers. If the key levers are damaged or missing, they can also cause the keys to sink.
• Deformed or sunken key hammers: The key hammers are the small wooden or felt hammers that strike the strings when you press a key. If the key hammers are deformed or sunken, they can also cause the keys to sink.
• Faulty tuning pins: The tuning pins are the small metal pins that hold the strings in place. If the tuning pins are faulty, they can cause the strings to go out of tune, which can also cause the keys to sink.

To determine the cause of your sunken piano keys, you will need to inspect the piano carefully. Look for any loose or broken key caps, damaged or missing key levers, deformed or sunken key hammers, or faulty tuning pins. If you are unable to find the cause of the problem, you may need to take your piano to a qualified piano technician for diagnosis and repair.

Removing the Key Caps

Once you have identified the cause of the sunken piano keys, you will need to remove the key caps in order to access the key levers, key hammers, or tuning pins. To remove the key caps, you will need a key removal tool or a thin, flat object.

• Step 1: Locate the key removal tool or thin, flat object.
• Step 2: Insert the key removal tool or thin, flat object between the key cap and the key lever.
• Step 3: Gently pry up on the key cap until it pops off.
• Step 4: Repeat steps 2-3 for all of the key caps on the affected piano keys.

Be careful not to damage the key caps or the piano’s finish when removing them. If you are unsure how to remove the key caps, you may want to take your piano to a qualified piano technician for assistance.

Repairing the Sunken Piano Keys

Once you have removed the key caps, you can begin to repair the sunken piano keys. The specific repairs that you will need to make will depend on the cause of the problem.

• Loose or broken key caps: If the key caps are loose or broken, you will need to glue them back in place. To do this, you will need a small amount of wood glue and a toothpick.
• Damaged or missing key levers: If the key levers are damaged or missing, you will need to replace them. To do this, you will need to purchase new key levers and a key lever removal tool.
• Deformed or sunken key hammers: If the key hammers are deformed or sunken, you will need to reshape them. To do this, you will need a hammer and a block of wood.
• Faulty tuning pins: If the tuning pins are faulty, you will need to replace them. To do this, you will need to purchase new tuning pins and a tuning pin wrench.

Once you have repaired the sunken piano keys, you will need to replace the key caps. To do this, you will need to follow the steps in the section above on “Removing the Key Caps.”

Sunken piano keys can be a frustrating problem, but they can usually be repaired by a qualified piano technician. If you are unable to fix the sunken piano keys yourself, you should take your piano to a qualified piano technician for diagnosis and repair.

Repairing the Cause of the Sunken Keys

If the key caps on your piano are sunken, it is likely that the cause is one of the following:

• Loose key caps: The key caps are held in place by small screws or clips. If these screws or clips are loose, the key caps can become detached and sink down. To tighten the screws or clips, you will need a screwdriver or a hex wrench.
• Damaged or missing key levers: The key levers are small metal rods that connect the key caps to the piano’s action. If a key lever is damaged or missing, the key cap will not be able to properly support the weight of the key and will sink down. To replace a damaged or missing key lever, you will need to remove the key cap and the key shank. You can then purchase a replacement key lever and install it in the same way that you removed the old one.
• Deformed or sunken key hammers: The key hammers are the small wooden or felt hammers that strike the strings when you press a key. If a key hammer is deformed or sunken, it will not be able to properly strike the strings and the key will sound dull or muffled. To replace a deformed or sunken key hammer, you will need to remove the key cap and the key shank. You can then purchase a replacement key hammer and install it in the same way that you removed the old one.
• Faulty tuning pins: The tuning pins are the small metal pins that hold the strings in place. If a tuning pin is faulty, it can cause the strings to become loose and the key caps to sink down. To repair or replace a faulty tuning pin, you will need to remove the key cap and the key shank. You can then loosen the tuning pin with a tuning wrench and replace it with a new one.

Once you have repaired the cause of the sunken keys, you can then reattach the key caps.

Reattaching the Key Caps

To reattach the key caps, you will need to carefully align the key caps with the keys and press them down until they snap into place. Be sure that the key caps are properly seated and that they do not wobble.

Here are the steps involved in reattaching the key caps:

1. Remove the key caps from the piano.
2. Clean the key shanks with a soft cloth.
3. Apply a small amount of piano polish to the key shanks.
4. Align the key caps with the keys and press them down until they snap into place.
5. Check to make sure that the key caps are properly seated and that they do not wobble.

If you are having trouble reattaching the key caps, you may need to consult with a piano technician.

Sunken piano keys can be a nuisance, but they can be easily repaired by following the steps outlined in this article. By repairing the cause of the sunken keys and reattaching the key caps, you can restore your piano to its former glory.

How do I fix sunken piano keys?

There are a few ways to fix sunken piano keys. The best method for you will depend on the severity of the sinking and the type of piano you have.

1. Use a piano key lifter.

Piano key lifters are small, wedge-shaped tools that are designed to lift sunken keys back into place. They are available at most music stores. To use a piano key lifter, insert the wedge under the key and gently pry it up until the key is level with the other keys.

2. Use a heat gun.

A heat gun can be used to soften the glue that holds the key to the piano. This will make it easier to pry the key up and reglue it. To use a heat gun, hold it about 6 inches away from the key and move it back and forth until the glue is warm. Then, use a thin, flat tool to pry the key up. Be careful not to damage the key or the piano.

3. Take your piano to a professional.

If the sinking keys are severe or if you are not comfortable using a piano key lifter or a heat gun, you should take your piano to a professional for repair. A piano technician will be able to fix the sunken keys and ensure that your piano is in good condition.

What causes piano keys to sink?

There are a few things that can cause piano keys to sink. The most common cause is wear and tear. Over time, the felt on the bottom of the keys can become compressed, which can cause the keys to sink. Other causes of sunken keys include:

• Improper tuning
• Damage to the key or the piano
• Humidity changes

How can I prevent piano keys from sinking?

There are a few things you can do to prevent piano keys from sinking.

• Have your piano tuned regularly. A properly tuned piano will be less likely to develop sunken keys.
• Avoid playing the piano too hard. Pressing the keys too hard can damage the felt and cause the keys to sink.
• Keep your piano in a climate-controlled environment. Extreme humidity or dryness can cause the wood in the piano to expand or contract, which can damage the keys and cause them to sink.

What if my piano keys are already sunken?

If your piano keys are already sunken, there are a few things you can do to fix them.

• Use a piano key lifter. A piano key lifter can be used to lift sunken keys back into place.
• Use a heat gun. A heat gun can be used to soften the glue that holds the key to the piano. This will make it easier to pry the key up and reglue it.
• Take your piano to a professional. A piano technician will be able to fix the sunken keys and ensure that your piano is in good condition.

  In this article, we have discussed how to fix sunken piano keys. We have covered the causes of sunken keys, as well as the steps involved in fixing them. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to fix your own sunken piano keys.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Sunken piano keys are caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, humidity, and improper playing technique.
• To fix sunken keys, you will need to remove the key from the piano, identify the cause of the sinking, and then take steps to correct the problem.
• The most common cause of sunken keys is wear and tear. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the key or the key cap.
• Humidity can also cause piano keys to sink. To prevent this problem, you should keep your piano in a climate-controlled environment.
• Improper playing technique can also cause piano keys to sink. To avoid this problem, you should learn how to play the piano properly.