Wondering how to fix piano keys that stick, are stuck, or don’t produce any sound? It can be a frustrating issue for any pianist and in this article, we’ll provide step-by-step guidance on how to fix piano keys that are stuck.
After all, whether you’re a professional musician or someone who plays for leisure, having a fully functional piano is essential!
How to Fix Piano Keys That Stick?
Contents
1. Identify the Problem
Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand the root cause of the problem. Some common reasons for piano keys that stick or make no sound include:
Dirt and Debris
Over time, dust, dirt, objects, and other debris can accumulate between the keys, causing them to stick. Blockages can be caused by things like pens (for piano teachers and composers), coins, and other smaller objects.
Removing these items will return your piano to its former glory! Also, ask yourself, s it just one key that is stuck, or several? Depress the keys surrounding the dead key at the same time. Do two adjacent keys get stuck in the down position together?
Using a knife is not advised as although it is thin, and may be the first thing you think of to remove debris, it can of course scratch and dent your keys!
A better solution would be to use a thin piece of card or paper to remove small obstructions and a cloth for dust and dirt.
Humidity
Excessive moisture can cause the wooden parts of the piano to swell, leading to keys that stick.
A dehumidifier or hygrometer (like the ones below) will help to resolve this humidity issue and also prevent your piano keys from sticking over time.
Worn-Out Felts
The felts that cushion the keys can wear out over time, causing the keys not to return to their original position. Luckily, these are replaceable parts, though you may need a professional piano technician or repair service to help you fix this problem.
Broken Parts
Sometimes, internal parts of the piano can break or become misaligned, leading to keys that don’t work.
These repairs will likely require a piano technician or repair service, for acoustic pianos especially. Digital pianos and keyboards vary in their design complexity and you may be able to repair them yourself.
2. Clean the Keys
One of the simplest solutions to fix sticky piano keys is to clean them.
Open the Piano Lid
Carefully open the top lid of the piano to access the keys.
Clean the Surface
Using a soft cloth, gently clean the surface of the keys to remove any visible dirt or debris.
Clean Between the Keys
Use a thin, flat tool like a ruler wrapped in a soft cloth to clean between the keys. This will help remove any hidden debris that might be causing the keys to stick.
Cleaning Ivory keys
Most piano keys are made from wood with a plastic casing. This makes them very easy to clean. If you have a very old piano it may have ivory keys; these are a little more difficult to clean and may suffer from yellowing.
However, ivory pianos are very rare nowadays. The cleaning process is basically the same; a mildly damp cloth (not wet as water can ruin your piano) and a little bit of dish soap are all you need.
A small amount will be enough to clean each key individually. You should dry the keys with another cloth.
3. Check for Humidity Issues
The best way to fix this is to identify your offending key. Press it down, along with the key next to it. Use a small, thin-tipped screwdriver to separate the key. You could also use some paper folded up or some thin cardboard to prevent damage.
This should provide enough space between the keys and prevent it from sticking. You might have to do this every so often if you live in a humid area, as the moisture will cause the keys to expand and contract.
You must be gentle when you do this because if you are careless you risk damaging the keys. Other options for controlling and fixing humidity-related issues include:
Regularly Check the Piano
Ensure that the piano is not placed near a window or any other source of moisture.
Consider Using Humidity Control Products
There are specific products designed to control the humidity levels inside pianos. These can be beneficial in preventing keys from sticking due to moisture. You can place a dehumidifier near the piano to reduce the moisture level in the room.
4. Inspect the Internal Mechanism
If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to inspect the internal mechanism of the piano:
Open the Front Panel
Carefully open the front panel of the piano to access the internal parts.
Inspect the Felts
Check the felts that cushion the keys. If they are worn out, consider replacing them.
Check for Broken Parts
Inspect the internal mechanism for any broken or misaligned parts. If you find any, it’s best to consult a professional piano technician for repairs.
How to Fix Dead Piano Keys
To fix a dead piano key, first, open the piano’s lid or front panel to access the keys and hammers. Check for any visible obstructions or debris that might be preventing the key from striking the string or causing the hammer to stick.
If there’s no obstruction, inspect the hammer and piano key mechanism for any signs of wear or damage. Depending on the issue, you may need to replace worn-out parts, adjust the key’s balance rail pin, or lubricate the mechanism.
If you’re unsure about the repair, it’s best to consult with a professional piano technician.
5. Consult a Professional
If you cannot identify or fix the problem, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional piano technician. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix issues related to piano keys not working.
Easy Fixes For Sticky Keys
Use a Blowdryer
Using a blow dryer to dry out the felt bushings or wooden parts of your piano may help with issues related to humidity. Move the hairdryer side to side across the keys and keyslip for a few minutes, but be careful not to get too close.
Compressed Air
You can also try using a can of compressed air to clean around and underneath the keys. This will help remove any dirt or debris you may not be able to see.
Why Do Piano Keys Stick?
What makes piano keys stick? Piano keys often stick due to a combination of factors related to both external conditions and the instrument’s internal mechanisms.
One of the primary reasons is the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris between the keys, which can obstruct their movement.
Additionally, changes in humidity can cause the wooden components of the piano to expand or contract, leading to keys that stick or don’t return to their original position.
Over time, the felts that cushion the keys can also wear out, affecting the keys’ smooth operation. Any misalignment or damage to the internal parts of the piano, such as broken action parts, can result in keys that stick or fail to produce sound.
Tight Bushings
The keysticks are held into place by what is known as key bushings, which are holes lined with felt. The holes fit over the rail pins, which hold the key in place and keep it from wobbling.
Moisture can affect the felt on the bushings and cause it to swell, or the pins may become corroded. Either of these problems will cause friction and result in sticky keys.
Open the top of the piano and observe the action while playing the keys. The hammers should quickly bounce back to their positions when you let go of the keys.
If the hammers are slow or sluggish returning to their original positions there may be an issue with the key bushings. This problem will be more noticeable when pressing the sustain pedal while playing the key.
Friction
To fix friction from where the bushings meet the pins, you need to compress the felt. Piano technicians use specialized tools to do this.
You can try to press the felt down by simply moving the key gently back and forth while the key is raised, at rest, and depressed.
It is also possible to insert a makeshift tool into the holes to push the felt back into shape, but this is risky as damage to the felt is possible.
Rail Pins
If the problem is with the rail pins themselves, you can use metal polish to clean them. There is also a possibility that they could be bent or twisted.
You could try using pliers to twist them back into position, but you may need to call a professional to repair or replace the pins, and this would be a safer option overall, to prevent mistakes, and potential damage.
Keyslip
Issues with the key catching the keyslip can also arise (the piece of wood located below the keys). The keyslip runs along the front of the piano, and they are susceptible to swelling and warping due to humidity.
Sometimes the keyslip gets pushed in toward the keys just enough to rub and cause friction. Look to see if it’s pushing on the front of the keys. You should be able to see a small gap between the keyslip and the keys.
You can also try to pull the keyslip toward you slightly and then test the key to see if that fixes the problem.
Remove the keyslip from the piano. It is normally held on by a few screws underneath. Some pianos will require you to remove the end blocks too.
You can create a shim from some thin cardboard or thick, folded paper. Affix the shim below the keys wherever it’s causing the most friction. Replace the keyslip, making sure the shim is low enough to be hidden.
If your keyslip is warped or the felt is damaged, it will likely need replacing. Again, these are problems that you will probably need a piano technician for unless you are knowledgeable about pianos and confident with piano repairs already.
Broken or Cracked Keys
If the keystick goes down in the front when you depress the key but doesn’t raise in the back, this could point to a broken or cracked keystick.
You may also be able to remove the fallboard (the part that covers the back of the keys) and visually inspect the keystick for cracks or damage.
Broken or warped keysticks probably need to be replaced. If there is a small crack, it is possible to patch it with glue and a thin piece of wood. But the weighting and balance of a key are very important.
You need to use the right kind of glue and apply the patch to both sides of the keystick to ensure it remains balanced. A piano technician is advised if you are not confident with this repair work.
Miscellaneous Piano Key ‘Action’ Issues
If you have eliminated the problems listed above, it’s most likely that there is a broken part somewhere in the action of the piano. This could include hammers, hammer butts, whippens, or the flanges, springs, and pins on these parts.
The best way to determine if the action is causing sticky keys is by process of elimination, or by hiring a professional piano technician.
You can see how the parts of the action on a sticky key look and function compared to a key that doesn’t stick.
If there are any broken parts, or any keys moving or functioning differently, a piano repair service will likely be able to diagnose the exact issue and fix the problem.
There are many delicate parts included in the action and repairing them may be difficult and risky for someone who is not trained to do so.
Don’t use chemicals or solvents to unstick keys! The problem is most likely not related to residue build-up, and using chemical sprays will only aggravate the problem and may even damage your piano.
Keep your piano against an inside-facing wall if possible. The exterior walls of a building are susceptible to temperature changes that could lead to problems.
FAQ
1. Fix Stuck Keys – Antique Pianos
Antique pianos, due to their age, are more susceptible to issues like stuck keys.
The primary reasons for antique piano keys getting stuck include the natural wear and tear of internal components, the deterioration of the felts, and the warping of wooden parts due to long-term exposure to varying humidity levels.
To fix stuck keys on an antique piano, start by gently cleaning between the keys to remove any accumulated debris. If the issue persists, consider consulting a professional who specializes in antique piano restoration.
They can assess the internal mechanisms, replace worn-out felts, realign any misaligned parts, and ensure that the piano retains its historical value while being functional.
2. Fix Stuck Keys – Keyboards
When piano keys remain elevated or stuck up, it often indicates an issue with the piano’s action mechanism. This can be caused by broken or misaligned action parts, worn-out springs, or obstructions within the keybed.
To address this, begin by carefully opening the piano’s front panel to inspect the internal mechanism. Look for any visible obstructions or broken components.
Gently clean the area around the affected keys, ensuring no debris is causing the problem. If the keys remain stuck up after these initial steps, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a professional piano technician.
They can provide a more in-depth assessment and make the necessary repairs or replacements to restore the piano’s functionality.
3. How Much Does It Cost to Fix Pianos?
Piano technicians can be very expensive. If you call a technician to fix a stuck key, you can expect to pay $50-$100 for them to fix the key or more.
They’ll likely be able to tell you how it got stuck, why it got stuck, and how to make sure it doesn’t get stuck in the future.
4. When to Call a Professional?
There are 88 keys on a piano and hundreds of points of connection inside that work together to make the piano play correctly. You can attempt to repair some of these delicate parts yourself, but it may make more sense to call a professional.
The cost to have a Professional Piano Tuner/Repairman fix a piano is usually around $200 and up. The cost to repair a damaged part or fix a sticky key may be just as much.
Repairing the key bushings on an entire piano can cost up to $500 per rail. You can see why having regular tuning and maintenance performed on your piano is well worth the cost!
If you damage any of the parts inside your piano while trying to fix a sticky key, it will cost more than you would have paid by calling a professional in the first place. So, when in doubt, call a professional.
Having your piano regularly tuned is a good long-term strategy to reduce more severe repair costs in the future.
5. How to Fix Digital Piano Keys?
Keys that get stuck on a digital piano can be caused by dirt and grime affecting the motion of the keys. It can also be a damaged component inside the piano itself.
You can read up on how digital pianos work and attempt to diagnose the issue yourself, but you may need the help of a professional piano tuner or technician.
Conclusion
Piano keys that stick or make no sound can be a hindrance, but with the right approach, they can be fixed.
Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent many issues, but if you ever face a problem that you can’t solve, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Remember, a well-maintained piano not only sounds better but also lasts longer.
