Hammer Butt Spring Replacement: English and European ActionsThe previous newsletter described the process of replacing Hammer Butt Return Springs on an older American upright piano action, where it’s usual for all the springs to be fitted along a separate rail. It is more usual on English and European actions to have the Hammer Butt Return Springs fitted into the Hammer Butts, engaging with a cord loop on the Hammer Flange. This article illustrates the replacement of broken springs on an 1880s Bechstein upright piano.The photo below shows a Hammer Butt with a broken Return Spring. There should be a tail about an inch long with a hook at the end, but it has broken off.

First, it is necessary to remove the remainder of the broken Spring. The photo below shows it being gently prised out here with a pair of tweezers, but an awl might be better.