The Mellotron Group

I would think most people would be wise enough to remove the roller from the key. Still, alcohol will not resolve the problem...ever. You might get a temporary loosening, but that's all. The only way to fix the problem properly is to lay the pinch roller on its side on a hard surface. While holding a nail set or something similar (the pointed end of a large nail will do) against the end of the axle, carefully pry the bracket side upward using a very thin screwdriver and the axle should pop free. Take care not to bend the bracket if possible. Now flip the roller over and use the nail set (or nail) to again hold the axle in place and pry the other end loose.

Now, with both sides separated from the axle, carefully wiggle the roller and axle free. Remove the axle and clean the debris from it (I use a Dremel and a small wire wheel for this). Then take a cotton swab with most of the cotton removed and use it to ram tiny cotton balls through the hub center. You can soak the cotton balls in alcohol or Dirtex or anything else you wish. Find a drill bit that just passes through the hub (7/64ths I think) and just run it though a few times with your hand while keeping it from turning. The intent is to remove only stubborn debris from the hole, not to enlarge it. Clean the hole again. Now take a pair of long nose pliers and carefully straighten and realign the pinch roller brackets. Check to see that the axle passes freely through the hub without binding. If so, insert the axle into the hub and carefully wiggle the pinch roller back into the bracket. Seat the axles into the holes and then lay the roller on its side and gently tap the axle back into the hole in the bracket and lightly peen it. Flip it over and do the other side. Done.

Now make sure to never oil it again. You should never need to.

Frank

There's wood in a pinch roller? Not in mine.