Find HS Code and trade information for tuning wrench

Tuning Wrench

A tuning wrench, also known as a piano wrench, is a specialized tool used for tightening and loosening the tuning pins within a piano. These pins hold the strings at the correct tension, determining the pitch of each note.

Material:

• Steel: The vast majority of tuning wrenches are constructed from hardened steel to provide the necessary strength and durability for manipulating high-tension pins.
• Handle Materials: Handles can vary, including:
  • Wood: Traditional and provides a comfortable grip.
  • Plastic: More modern, offering durability and resistance to wear.
  • Composite Materials: Combining strength and ergonomics.

Purpose:

The primary purpose is to precisely adjust the tension of piano strings, bringing the piano into accurate pitch (tuning). Fine adjustments are crucial, as even small changes in tension significantly impact the sound.

Function:

Tuning wrenches function by applying controlled rotational force to the tuning pin. The wrench's head engages with the keyhole-shaped slot on the pin, allowing for incremental turning. The lever arm of the wrench amplifies the force applied by the tuner, enabling precise adjustments.

Usage Scenarios:

• Piano Tuning: The core application, performed by professional piano tuners or experienced individuals.
• Piano Repair & Restoration: Used when replacing strings or rebuilding the tuning mechanism.
• Voicing: Adjusting the hammer-string interaction by subtly altering string tension.
• Pitch Correction: Raising or lowering the pitch of individual notes or the entire instrument.

Common Types:

• T-Handle Tuning Wrenches: The most common type, offering good leverage and control. Available in various lengths for different levels of force.
• L-Handle Tuning Wrenches: More compact, suitable for tight spaces or fine adjustments.
• Star-Handle Tuning Wrenches: Provide a multi-directional grip, allowing for faster adjustments.
• Capstan Wrenches: Specialized for grand pianos, used for adjusting capstans which control the hammer shanks.
• Power Tuning Wrenches: Automated tools used by professionals for faster, more consistent tuning, though still requiring skilled operation.

Key Features/Considerations:

• Head Size & Shape: Must match the specific size and shape of the tuning pins in the piano.
• Lever Length: Longer levers provide greater torque but less finesse; shorter levers offer more control but require more force.
• Handle Comfort & Grip: Important for extended use and precise adjustments.
• Quality of Steel: Higher-quality steel resists bending and provides a longer lifespan.

Based on the provided information, a “tuning wrench” can be classified under several HS codes, depending on its specific characteristics and materials. Here's a breakdown of potential classifications:

• 8204110030: This code covers hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque meter wrenches but not including tap wrenches); socket wrenches, with or without handles, drives or extensions; base metal parts thereof: Hand-operated spanners and wrenches, and parts thereof: Nonadjustable, and parts thereof Open-end, box and combination open-end and box wrenches. If the tuning wrench is a standard, non-adjustable spanner or wrench used for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts, this code may be applicable. The total tax rate is 64.0% (9.0% base tariff + 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025).
• 8204110060: This code also covers hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque meter wrenches but not including tap wrenches); socket wrenches, with or without handles, drives or extensions; base metal parts thereof: Hand-operated spanners and wrenches, and parts thereof: Other (including parts). If the tuning wrench doesn't fall into the specifically defined "Nonadjustable" category, this "Other" category may be appropriate. The total tax rate is 64.0% (9.0% base tariff + 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025).
• 8205591000: This code covers handtools (including glass cutters) not elsewhere specified or included; blow torches and similar self-contained torches; vises, clamps and the like, other than accessories for and parts of machine tools or water-jet cutting machines; anvils; portable forges; hand- or pedal-operated grinding wheels with frameworks; base metal parts thereof: Other handtools (including glass cutters) and parts thereof: Other: Pipe tools, and parts thereof. If the tuning wrench is specifically designed for use with pipes, this code could be relevant. The total tax rate is 62.2% (7.2% base tariff + 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025).
• 8205598000: This code covers handtools (including glass cutters) not elsewhere specified or included; blow torches and similar self-contained torches; vises, clamps and the like, other than accessories for and parts of machine tools or water-jet cutting machines; anvils; portable forges; hand- or pedal-operated grinding wheels with frameworks; base metal parts thereof: Other handtools (including glass cutters) and parts thereof: Other: Other. If the tuning wrench doesn't fit into any other specific handtool category, this "Other" category may be applicable. The total tax rate is 58.7% (3.7% base tariff + 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025).

Important Considerations:

• The classification depends heavily on the wrench's design and intended use.
• If the tuning wrench is part of a set sold for retail sale, HS code 8206000000 may be applicable. The duty rate would be based on the applicable rate for the article in the set, plus 30.0%.
• Please verify the material composition of the tuning wrench, as this may affect the appropriate HS code.