Pro Tip 22: Filling Holes in Keys Using Water Putty

[@emerywang]

Thanks Jim. A couple questions: is the weight comparable to a corresponding wood plug? Also, if you later need to add a key lead nearby and have to drill out part of the putty, will it hold and not crumble? That is my main concern whether the entire key is still as workable as when wood plugs are used. Thanks!

[@jbuzz8853]

Great question! The weight isn’t an issue (virtually the same as wood) and it drills surprisingly well. Harder than wood though, and it doesn’t crumble like wood putty. I still prefer wood plugs but always like to know more than one way, just in case…

[@emerywang]

@@jbuzz8853 Cool. I may still use wood plugs, but the putty seems like a great way to fill splinters and tear out in the keys. Thanks for posting this, good to have more than one tool in the arsenal!

[@jbuzz8853]

@@emerywang I’ve never tried it, but their website says “Durham’s can also be cast or molded to reproduce missing trim pieces or in handicraft or artistic applications.” Makes me wonder what other uses we might find for it in piano work.
It also says “When thoroughly dry, it can be sanded, drilled, sawed and painted. Repaired areas are very hard and long lasting.”