Jan 25, 20221 min

Four Basic DIY Tools

Updated: Jul 6, 2023

Making your own tools is sometimes a necessary part of piano technology. If this seems overwhelming, start with these simple tools and build your tool-making skills from there:

Key Bushing Depth Gauge

Tools/Supplies:

  • Hammer shank

  • Sandpaper

  • Ruler

File a small section of the dowel down to create a lip. Measure 3/16ths of an inch up from the end of the lip. Use it to check your key bushing depth:

Brass-Safe Vice Grips

Tools/Supplies:

  • Needle-nose vice grips

  • Leather

  • Rubber cement

Glue leather to the inside of the vice grip jaws and use when adjusting grand trap work. The leather prevents the teeth from marring the soft brass:

Hitch Pin Loop Maker

Tools/Supplies:

  • 5/8ths dowel

  • Small screw

  • Drill with small drill bit

  • Small saw

  • Clamp of some kind (this clamp will always be my favorite extra hand)

Cut a six inch piece of dowel and clamp it. Drill a small hole about a third of the way down. Screw a small screw about half an inch away from the hole.

Learn how to use it here.

Upright Checking Gauge

Cut another inch piece off the 5/8ths dowel. Put a nail in it.

Whats your favorite DIY tool? Share in the comments below!

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