How to replace suspension spring

[Chris Radano]

Happy New Year to all!

Pictured is a pendulum rod from a Waterbury hanging long drop clock. The spring is broken. It appears that to replace the spring, the top of the rod needs to be straightened, the bit of the broken spring removed, new spring inserted, the rod bent to original shape.

What is the best proceedure for bending the rod? The steel is pretty tight. I don't think needlenose pliers will cut it. How would the pros do the replacement? I would like to know what tools would be best to use.

I would also be thankful for any info. on what is the correct size replacement spring. The movement plate is stamped "16", but the total length of the pendulum is 18 3/4" (from the top of the loop pictured, to the bottom of the threaded post where the pendulm regulating nut is on).

Thank you for any help. I appreciate it.

View attachment 243

 

[Chris Radano]

Happy New Year to all!

Pictured is a pendulum rod from a Waterbury hanging long drop clock. The spring is broken. It appears that to replace the spring, the top of the rod needs to be straightened, the bit of the broken spring removed, new spring inserted, the rod bent to original shape.

What is the best proceedure for bending the rod? The steel is pretty tight. I don't think needlenose pliers will cut it. How would the pros do the replacement? I would like to know what tools would be best to use.

I would also be thankful for any info. on what is the correct size replacement spring. The movement plate is stamped "16", but the total length of the pendulum is 18 3/4" (from the top of the loop pictured, to the bottom of the threaded post where the pendulm regulating nut is on).

Thank you for any help. I appreciate it.

View attachment 244

 

[doug sinclair]

Chris,

It would be far easier to simply replace the whole suspension spring unit than to try to repair the broken one. I buy these replacement springs by the dozen, and they only require a bend here and there, and cut off the excess. By the time you obtain the spring stock and the hole punches, and try to fit the spring to the leader wire, you break the tip (hook) off trying to fit the spring to the wire. A lot of these replacement suspension springs come with .010 mm (thick) springs on them.

 

[Chris Radano]

Thanks, Doug. I had considered these replacement rods. What is a good technique for precise bending of the rods? Are needlenose pliers the best tool? I have a vice, and some punches. No, I am not a fly-tying fisherman- I suppose clocks are my sport. Thanks.

 

[tymfxr]

Chris, I use a needle nose type with a smooth round tip to prevent marring the surface of the rod while I'm bending it into the right shape.
Mike C.

 

[shutterbug]

Chris - You can also get a set of 3 wire bending tools (different sizes) from the supply houses. They are "T" shaped, with a groove cut into the round rod which your wire goes into. A nice smooth bend is possible, whether you are working on springs, cuckoo bellows, chime rods, or whatever. They are not expensive and very handy.

 

[Chris Radano]

Thanks, that is exactly the kind of info. I need. I realize that questions like this may be painfully obvious. However, it still saves me time, and aggravation!