[ Ref. 980618 MMDigest ]

Mr. Plagmann,  The procedure you are using to replace cylinder pins is
causing irreparable damage to your cylinder.  PLEASE STOP.  Replacing
pins that were originally +/- .012" with .020" wire will most likely
cause that pin to play on adjacent tunes, as the tune spacing is
typically about .017".

As for replacing the pin before or after or beside the original,
you must realize that the timing of that note will be wrong in the
case of before or after, and the proper alignment with the tip will be
difficult.  Yes, you can bend the pin into alignment, but the dampers
will most likely not work as they should.

The best solution to bent and broken pins is a complete re-pinning of
the cylinder by a professional.  This is a process in which the old
pins are removed in an acid bath and new pins inserted,  cemented,
ground to length and concentricity, and raked.  There are several
restorers offering this service and I urge you to contact one.

P.S.  Individual pins can be replaced by punching the old pin complete-
ly through to the inside of the cylinder, with a punch no larger than
the original pin diameter, and inserting the proper length new pin of
.001" or .002" maximum larger diameter, using wire specifically
manufactured for cylinder pinning.

Dan Wilson