Source for Winding Keys

Scot Catlin · 10-19-2005, 02:14 PM

Hi all. I ordered what I thought was going to be the right size winding key for my wall clock from klockit.com. I ordered a Size 3 (3mm?). Looks like it's going to be more like 3.2mm to 3.6mm (Somewhere in there) I've been having a hard time finding a source for winding keys. klockit.com only seems to carry size 3 and 7 (3mm and 3.8mm). Can anyone reccomend somewhere I can buy the right size from?

TIA.

Scot Catlin · 10-19-2005, 02:14 PM

Hi all. I ordered what I thought was going to be the right size winding key for my wall clock from klockit.com. I ordered a Size 3 (3mm?). Looks like it's going to be more like 3.2mm to 3.6mm (Somewhere in there) I've been having a hard time finding a source for winding keys. klockit.com only seems to carry size 3 and 7 (3mm and 3.8mm). Can anyone reccomend somewhere I can buy the right size from?

TIA.

**Scottie-TX** · 10-19-2005, 02:25 PM

Of course it's easy for me to recommend the popular; SlaRose, Timesavers, and Merritts. HOWEVER. You have just learned that with clock keys, standards are very lacking. I've had a size six by one mfr. fit a clock while a size six by another mfr. does not. I just started buying clock keys from the suppliers, at regionals, local meets, etc. until I had a boxfull. Often there's no question as to whether it's a six or nine. It's not. But which seven or eight will fit? You need a key in the future? Bracket it. Buy a 6, 7, and 8. One'll fit.

**BILL KAPP** · 10-19-2005, 02:42 PM

I must have hundreds of different size keys. I always pick them up at marts and anyplace else I see them. Kinda like an addiction. I wonder how many others like me keep acquiring them even tho we have more keys than we will ever have clocks to wind?

**Ansomnia** · 10-19-2005, 02:53 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Scot Catlin:
Hi all. I ordered what I thought was going to be the right size winding key for my wall clock from klockit.com. I ordered a Size 3 (3mm?). Looks like it's going to be more like 3.2mm to 3.6mm (Somewhere in there) I've been having a hard time finding a source for winding keys. klockit.com only seems to carry size 3 and 7 (3mm and 3.8mm). Can anyone reccomend somewhere I can buy the right size from?

TIA. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, I have to buy a couple of keys too. Have you tried timesavers.com yet? They seem to carry a huge selection (of everything).

They have about 4.5 pages of keys. Their catalog shows several different kinds of keys with 3, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8 mm American sizes as well as odd-measurement Swiss sizes (not sure how that works - anyone want to comment?)

You should try to use a vernier caliper to measure the width of the arbor before you order the key.

If you can't reach the arbor with the vernier you might use a dowel made of hardwood - get one that is slightly bigger than the opening of the hole around the arbor. Then sand the dowel till it fits snug. Then cut a slot across the dowel that is 3 mm wide. Use a small flat file to reduce this slot until it fits the arbor. Then measure it with the vernier. Otherwise, you might just buy a couple of keys and hope one of them fits.

Michael

raymond c matthews · 10-19-2005, 04:00 PM

hello alot of early clocks had taper shafts and taper keys to fit them...other keys were drilled with a round hole the broached out square
nowerdays all keys are drilled out the one broah used to get the size...and english sizes are different to continental sizes even with the same number...so as our friends say a good collection is always favorite regards ray

**Scottie-TX** · 10-19-2005, 05:32 PM

YEAH! Like I'm gonna someday need all these cranks. I just think Vienna cranks are very cool. As a matter of fact I made the ones that have the colorful handles. They're made of catalin!

**lpbp** · 10-20-2005, 08:40 AM

As with most things made in India, I don't buy keys made there either. The wings are so soft, that after a short while they will bend.

Larry Pearson, FNAWCC* #35863

**Don DeMarcus #0135928** · 10-22-2005, 11:51 PM

All of the parts houses sell a gague to measure the size of the winding arbor.

I know it is the long way around to find the correct size but you will not be sorry when you get the proper size.

Now to pick the style that is another issue.

chasbaz · 10-23-2005, 11:39 PM

Hi Scot,

If you are interested in collecting clocks I agree that Scottie's suggestion to buy a lot or two of old keys is a good plan. One way is to go to eBay and navigate to Home> Buy> Collectibles> Clocks> Parts & Tools> Parts. Keys seem to work out at about a dollar each this way.

Scot Catlin · 10-23-2005, 11:59 PM

Great advice everyone. I _AM_ interested in collecting clocks, I'm just not sure I have the time or money just now. Perhaps if I bought a bunch of keys I might have a good excuse.

"Need to find some clocks to fit these keys!"

Thanks again to one of the most friendly and helpful forums I've been a part of.

**lamarw** · 10-24-2005, 12:52 AM

Hi Scot, Another thought on keys. If you are going to work on clocks in the future you will want to obtain a set of let down keys. Let down keys are used for letting down mainspring for movement disassembly. Let down keys generally have the sizes marked on the key. You can use this tool to also measure the winding arbors to let you know the correct key size for ordering. Also, I have a couple of 5 prong keys (one in odd sizes and one in even sizes) on my work bench. These multiple prong keys are also marked with the key size. I can't see the need to buy a special key gauge when you have both or either of the other type items.