Old lead filled weight repair

[delbruce]

(i) I just finished a New Hampshire Tall case clock restoration. All original components. The lead filled tin weights (12-15 lbs.each) had a nail bent into a upside down U, with two prongs on it the fit up against the top of the weight, to which an S hook was attached, then hooked onto the pulley.
The U shaped piece has pulled out of the tin top. Has anyone done this type of repair and can offer suggestions? My immediate thought was to totally unsolder the top of the tin can..make a new U shape piece,put a fender washer in under the tin top, feeding the U shape thru it and thru the top of the weight and then resoldering the top on. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bruce delbruce@aol.com

[Scottie-TX]

What will hold this "U" shaped piece in place - ensure that it doesn't pull out of the lead ? Twelve to fifteen pounds is a LOT of weight.

[shutterbug]

If you can get a good solder on the top piece, I think your idea is good. Scottie makes a good point. The weight would normally be about half of what you describe, and 15 pounds increases the chance of catastrophe down the road.

[Scottie-TX]

My thinking: SHADDAPPP BONG!
My thinking: Even a well soldered cap won't impede the "U" from pulling out. I'd be thinking of the legs of the "U" having some sort of irregular - not straight shape in the lead. Perhaps a wavy shape - even just a single bend maybe in opposite directions of the U. THAT could never pull out - fifteen or sixty pounds. Even threading the "U" would add assurance but wouldn't be as conclusive.

[Mike Phelan]

Yep - I would make like a sort of omega shape. If it is straight, it will pull out, sooner or later.

Even so, a cushion or a piece of foam in the bottom of the case is a good idea.

[delbruce]

Thanks to all for the thoughts and ideas. You described the piece exactly with the omega sign. Thanks for that. I guess since this has been around for the number of years it has,this was a proven way of doing things.My thought was when the top was removed to reenforce it with the steel fender washer, afixed on the inside, so that instead of the feet of the omega resting on the tin, it would be on the washer and I would also try to make the feet longer. By using a washer, it would spread out the strain and also steel on steel should last longer than the steel on tin.
Talk to you gentlemen later.
Bruce

[Pete Riegel]

Drill a proper hole and screw in a hardware store cup hook.

[Ralph]

Drill a proper hole and screw in a hardware store cup hook.

Many of those weights are filled with scrap iron, lead scrap or shot.

Removing the top...or bottom, repairing it and resoldering it, is probably the best choice.

It sounds like Bruce is on the right track... the washer being a reversible improvement.

Ralph

[harold bain]

Pete, these cheap cup hooks would never hold 15 pounds of weight. I would be tempted to drill a hole through to the bottom, and run a bolt down through, similar to modern weights. Thread it and put a screw on hook, or bend it to make a hook.
Or go with the repair as previously suggested, which is likely the best way.

[ogee_boy]

think you would want to drill a hole all the way through with a nut at the bottom== you couldnt solder that the lead would absorb all the heat and it would give way making a hole in the bottom of the case

[Scottie-TX]

Drilling holes in lead ain't no fun and most of us don't have fifteen inch drillbits. Also, drilling on centre could be a challenge. Much better and easier to cast a hole in the weight if that's your goal.

[ged]

Drilling holes in lead ain't no fun and most of us don't have fifteen inch drillbits. Also, drilling on centre could be a challenge. Much better and easier to cast a hole in the weight if that's your goal.

Hello All, I hope my Longcase Strike Weight doesn't develop this problem. It weighs 40LB, I do have a Scrunched up blanket in the base. Regards, Ged.