Bent tooth - leave it or straighten it

[Rockin Ronnie]

Escape wheel

Found on the escape wheel on an Ingraham time and strike. Leave it or straighten it? That said I have not had much luck straightening teeth.

Ron

 

[howtorepairpendulumclocks]

it doesnt seem to be causing too much trouble but if you decide to straighten it, "draw out" the tooth out with a pair of smooth flat jawed pliers or strong brass tweezers rather than trying to bend it back per-se. Also get a thin piece of brass and file it to fit neatly between two other 'good' teeth. you can then use this as a gauge. Some people use modelling clay but I find this too squidgy. Also, if this clock has an adjustable pallet arbor, you may want to decrease the centre distance slightly between the pallets and the escape wheel. This will decrease drop and make the action all the sweeter. Hope this helps.

 

[Rod Schaffter]

https://abouttime-clockmaking.com/downloads/Escape Wheel Problems.pdf

 

[Rockin Ronnie]

Thank you. I knew there was a pdf that addressed this somewhere.
Ron

 

[Simon Holt]

Some people use modelling clay but I find this too squidgy.

I've used Sugru to good effect - it starts off mouldable but hardens off after 24 hours.

Simon

 

[howtorepairpendulumclocks]

Good idea or polymorph which you soften in hot water and it cools to a hard plastic in a few minutes.

 

[R. Croswell]

The obviously bent over tooth tip (sometimes called shark tooth) needs to be straightened. Be careful "pulling" it straight. That is the proper method but you only want to straighten it, not stretch it. If you get it longer than the other teeth you will have a bigger problem than you now have.

RC

 

[Thomas Sanguigni]

When you get it straight, you certainly want to lightly file off any burrs or rough edges. Grobet makes a file shaped like an elongated triangle. It is available at Mile Hi clock parts in Colorado. I like it for tooth work.

 

[Rockin Ronnie]

Haven't touched it yet and I want to prepare for the worst, but what if the tip of the tooth breaks while I am in the process of straightening it.

Ron

 

[R. Croswell]

Haven't touched it yet and I want to prepare for the worst, but what if the tip of the tooth breaks while I am in the process of straightening it.

Ron

That doesn't usually happen but no one can guarantee that it won't. If that happens you will have to replace that tooth. or get a new escape wheel.

RC

 

[shutterbug]

Line up your pliers on the flat part of the tooth and squeeze a little as you pull it off the tip. Once is all it will need. It won't need much pressure.

 

[Rockin Ronnie]

Thanks, everyone. Took my time and the tooth is straight.

Ron