Grand Regulation Tools List

By Hannah Beckett

Accumulating tools as a new technician can be overwhelming. It adds up quickly, and there are many options and many suppliers to choose from. When I was starting out as a technician, I didn't have a lot of guidance in my tools acquisition quest and ended up wasting money on cheap tools that were ineffective, or wasted budgeted money on tools that I wouldn't need until further down the road. This article is geared toward the student who is making their first big shopping list. Believing strongly that it is important to have the right tool for the job, the Barebones List is for those who want to make a one-time purchase of regulation tools and want the minimal amount to get the job done well. The Luxury List is an addition to the Barebones List and is designed for those who have a little more cash flow and want to improve their processes.

This article includes links to all the recommended tools, however, if you're shopping on a budget, be sure to check out The Collection and our Classifieds listings for used tools at a more affordable price point.

Barebones Regulation Tool List

This should be your everyday combination handle set. You'll also be using many of the other attachments for jobs outside of regulation.

Available: Schaff, combination handle (#26), Phillips head (#34), flathead (#3115), offset key spacer (#464), handy hammer (#36), key balance hole easer (#43), flange spacer (not pictured, #65).

Price: Worth it.

This is an expensive one, but the double-end makes it extremely versatile.

Available: Pianotek, product # LFT-4

Price: $69

The capstan adjuster is to regulation as the tuning lever is to tuning. There are many to choose from, and finding the one with the right tips and length can be difficult. The Pianosmiths Streamline Capstan Adjuster is a beautifully balanced tool with angled and straight ends that enable precise movement. The length makes it appropriate for both grand and upright pianos, and is my top recommendation for capstan tools.

Available: The Collection

Price: $71

You will also, unfortunately, need the squared capstan adjuster. Square capstans are mostly found in older grand or entry-level uprights.

Available: Schaff, product #86

Price: $25

It could be argued that this belongs on the luxury tool list, however, I wish I had coughed up the change for this tool right at the beginning of my time as a technician. It is extremely helpful to have a full picture of key height from bottom to top, and this is a lifetime tool from WN&G.

Available: WN&G

Price: $75

Another more affordable option is the two-octave-long aluminum straight edge available from Pianotek. It is useful for many other tasks as well.

Available: Pianotek product # D-26

Price: $9.95

This sharp gauge makes regulating sharp key height efficient and precise. The four height options cover all the bases, and its light weight makes it an easy addition to toolkit.

Available: The Collection

Price: $22

This punchings box is portable and completely sealed. It holds plenty of punchings for a full regulation.

Available: The Collection

Price (filled): $45

Absolutely necessary for reaching black key front rail punchings.

Available: Schaff, product #3212

Price: $20

This gives you the ability to measure letoff, blow, and checking with the action inside the piano.

Available: Schaff, product #R-29

Price: $13.50

I like this drop screwdriver because of the ergonomic wooden handle. The length of the tool allows you to rest your arm on the action for quick adjustment. It also can be used for jack and button regulation. This fits spade heads only. I use a very small screwdriver for the slotted heads of drop screws.

Available: Pianotek, product # JDS-2

Price: $44

Other technicians prefer the double-ended drop screwdriver from Pianotek that fits both slotted and spade head drop screws.

Available: Pianotek product JDD-3

Price: $39

This is a tool useful in many areas of our work. Keep it on hand when regulating as a very accurate key dip measuring device. Learn how to use it here.

Available: Most hardware stores and online

Price: ~$20

These will get you by for a while, but you will eventually become frustrated with having to remove the stack from a grand action for small adjustments. See the luxury list for the time-saving (but more expensive) option.

Available: Schaff, product #214

Price: $114

Available: Pianotek, product HST

Price: $17

A handy tool for all action types. Learn how to use it here.

Available: Schaff, product #R-28

Price: $23.50

These are essential for damper bending and backcheck alignment.

Available: Schaff, product #244

Price: $62.50

Luxury Tool Set

These mini capstan adjusters are an amazing addition to the regulation kit. Their small size and even weight make them ideal for controlled speed. You can buy them individually or as a set with the double-ended concert capstan adjuster.

Available: The Collection

Price: $71

If you don't have fingers small enough to lift three grand keys high enough to slip a punching under the black key - this will be your new best friend.

Available: Performance Pianos

Price: $20

This fabulous tool has a 400-gram weight that provides a consistent measurement of key dip on every key. Learn how to use it here.

Available: WN&G

Price: $75

Works on Steinways and other pianos with letoff eye-screws. The ratchet cuts down on time and movement. Recommended if you work on a lot of Steinways.

Available: Amazon (Craftsman 41469)

Price: $19.55

These allow you to ease a grand key without removing the action. Saves tons of time!

Available: Schaff, product #3120

Price: $125

The rigid design of this tool is perfect for reinstalling dampers evenly in their underlevers. Adjustable, precise, and light-weight, this tool is a must-have for frequent full damper regulating.

Available: Pianotek, product #SST-107

Price: $85