Jan 17, 20233 min
Updated: Dec 15, 2023
There are many lubricants marketed to the piano technology field. Some are safe and helpful, others should be used cautiously, and several should be avoided altogether. Lubrication should be considered an enhancement - not a repair. Proper lubrication can enhance the responsiveness of the instrument when parts are already operating freely and within tolerances.
Type: Universal, and always safe.
Do: Clean all parts thoroughly before applying any lubricant. You may find that cleaning the part takes care of the issue.
Don’t: Skip cleaning.
Type: Liquid dry-film
Do: Use on keybeds (after thoroughly cleaning the keybed), keyframes, glide bolts, action return springs, knuckles, key bushings, wippen cushions, and pedal guide rail bushings. Also recommended for application on the V-bar during the dressing process.
Don’t: Allow contact with keytops. The solvent used in McLube 1725L can melt keytops causing deformation in the texture of the key. Also do not use on center pins.
Type: Liquid
Do: Use it sparingly as a temporary fix on tight center pins in emergency situations only. CLP can also be applied to rusty string/termination point intersections during tuning to ease movement. We recommend using a hypo-oiler with a very fine tip, available from Supply88.
Don’t: Use it repeatedly for center pinning issues. While CLP will loosen a tight pin, the effects are temporary and the lubrication can compromise the bushing cloth, making it difficult to re-pin. Re-pinning is always the correct repair for tight action centers.
Type: Powder
Do: Apply sparingly on knuckles with a brush (like a nail polish brush) and massage into the leather, being careful not to breathe in any powder. A mask is recommended. Be sure to clean up any excess powder with a damp cloth.
Don’t: Apply to a piano that has a player piano system in it. Teflon powder (and all other powders) can destroy the sensors used to activate the system, and there is no easy way to undo the damage.
Type: Jelly
Do: Use on metal parts, particularly good for pedal squeaks coming from metal-metal contact. Use very sparingly and always clean first.
Don’t: Use on felt or cloth of any kind.
Type: Solid
Do: Use on squeaky screws such as case parts or cheek block screws, or when drilling into fresh wood for PianoLife Saver system installation or C-type fallboard locks.
Type: Liquid
Do: Use as an alternative to graphite on new bridge caps, and existing bridges when restringing. Use on jacks tenders, and keyframe dogs under the damper system, etc. The product dries to a dull and must be burnished to a slick and shiny finish.
The lubrications on this list are safe to use with proper methods and are commonly approved for piano use. Lubricants that are not on this list should not be used and could cause serious and irreversible damage to pianos. The following is a list of lubricants that are available to piano technicians but are not recommended for use.
Aerosol or Spray Lubricants
An airborne substance is an uncontrolled substance. Aerosol and other sprays can damage the finish on pianos and other furniture items, and could pose health concerns for your clients. Aerosol sprays should also never be used around pianos with player systems.
Graphite
While graphite used to be a common lubricant in pianos, it is no longer used due to health risks. An alternative lubrication is McLube® 1708.