When I set up a tuning, I ask the client if they have any keys that are not working right. Before I tune the piano, I start investigating why a key is sticking. I've had many different issues causing the same problem on various pianos I've tuned.
Items under the keys...acorn shells, coins, paper clips, pencils...you would be amazed what I find in pianos.
Broken action parts...I don't see that very often. Sticky keys are usually something blocking the action.
Wippen Jack pins. The wippen jack is a part that is connected with pins encased in felt. Sometimes the felt swells with high humidity levels and makes the key sluggish or even stick. A few drops of CLP lubricant on the pin usually loosens it up. If that does not work, we can replace the pin with a smaller diameter pin to let the jack swing freely again.
One customer had several keys stuck together where their son had spilled paint on the keyboard. That took a while to clean up and get working again. I used a knife to cut all the paint off the keys.
Misalignment...I've had a few pianos where the hammers were rubbing against their neighbor. Realign the hammers and key works great.
Yesterday I had a piano with none of those problems and had me scratching my head. Looked closer and closer and finally found the culprit. Front rail pin was out of alignment. I have no idea how that could have happened. It is underneath the key. I realigned the pin and the key no longer stuck! Victory!
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