5 Things You Need to Know About How To Fix Sticky Piano Keys in 2023

how to fix sticky piano keys

Have you ever faced difficulty while pressing piano keys? Have your piano keys ever become unresponsive. If yes, then you are on the right spot to find the solution. We’ll talk about how to fix sticky piano keys in 2023 so you may resume playing your piano without any difficulty.

We must first identify what is causing the issue in order to move on to the solutions. Temperature and moisture are the most frequent causes of a sticking key. The issue might also be brought on by dust or a broken part. You might be able to resolve these on your own.

Let’s examine some typical problems that lead to piano key sticking. We are going to discuss how can we identify them. Lastly, how to tackle these problems by our own. This article will teach you how to maintain and repair your keys so they work like fresh.

Identify the Problem

To properly handle the problem, first, find the exact cause that is creating it.  Check your piano correctly and also check the surrounding environment. If you find the reason for what is causing the obstacle, take steps according to the problem to fix it.

identify the problem

For instance, if the problem is a key slip due to excess humidity, you will need to eradicate excess moisture. If it is due to sticking food items between keys, try to clean your piano. Self-check your piano gives you essential information about problems and also how to fix them.

Solve the Problem

Sticking of piano keys is not a big issue; you don’t need to worry about how to fix sticky keyboard piano keys. Once you figure out the exact cause of the problem, consider that you have solved half of the issue.

If you have an electric piano and looking to know how to fix sticky keys on electric piano, you can follow this guide. Let’s start:

1. Rusty Rail Pins

We all know that by keeping the piano clean, the chances of damage and issues decrease. With the passage of time and no proper cleaning of the piano, the rail pins become rusty. It starts causing the sticking of keys as it is challenging to move them efficiently due to rusting.

You can clean it by taking a soft cloth and removing all the debris from the rail pins. For the well-functioning, add some lubricant to the hooks after cleaning. If the problem still exists then call all a technician to change the rusty staples with new ones.

2. Humidity Level in the Atmosphere

Humidity plays a vital role in the overall condition and performance of your piano. The majority of the parts of the piano are made up of wood. When there is a change in the surrounding environment’s moisture, it causes the wood to absorb water and swell.

humidity level in the atmosphere

The swelling of different piano parts restricts the movement causing the keys to stick while you play. You will feel extra stress upon applying pressure to the affected piano key.  The reason is they tightly rub with each other due to the increase in size.

You can fix this issue by depressing the key that creates the problem by slow and moderate pressure. Also, make some side-to-side movement of the key while pressing it. Doing this will solve or reduce the issue of the sticky key.

The average level of humidity for your piano to work best is between 40-60 percent. For extra care and well-functioning of your piano, buy a hygrometer that will observe any change in the climate of your space.  If this device detects any change in your environment, use a humidifier to combat it.

3. Rubbish and Objects Trapped in Piano

While assessing your piano, you will find different objects like coins, pencils, and paper clips, etc., that are stuck in it.  All these things together cause severe impairment of your piano like sticking of keys etc. It will reduce the proper functioning of your piano and will shorten its life span. 

rubbish and objects

The piano is a delicate piece of art that needs more care during handling. If you know about all its parts and assembly, it will be easy for you to look at its interior. Having no knowledge about piano and opening it will cause severe damage and ruin your piano.

To assess the piano’s interior, unclip the fallboard from inside and remove it from the place. With the help of a torchlight, inspect the site where the key is sticking and causing the problem. If you are a knowledge deficit, it’s better to call a technician to do this job.

4. Key Slip Correction

The key slip is anterior of the piano keys and gives protection to them. The key slip may jam against the white keys of the piano. When this happens, you may experience sticking the piano keys.

key slip correction

The solution is pretty simple that involves the opening of two key blocks at either end of the key slip. After removing, clean the dust and stuck items within the piano. Once cleaning is done, replace the key slip to its correct position.

Don’t screw the blocks tightly while reinstalling them, as it will cause to squeeze the wood. It will lead to creating issues and damage to your piano.

Final Words:

To keep your pianos in good operating order, you must give them proper care and attention. If you don’t do regular inspection on your piano, issues will ultimately arise. Ensuring your keyboard is not vulnerable to temperature or moisture is also crucial.

Given what you know about repairing sticky piano keys by this article, you may attempt to identify and correct the issue on your own. Or you may hire a specialist to do this job for you. By following the above mentioned points, you can prevent your keys from sticking.

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