Mainspring Extraction

[John Rausch]

Here's a little poll... what's your favorite way of (safely) extracting a new spring from the baling wire retainer? (specifically a hole-end spring).

 

[bruce linde]

first of all, that retaining clip should be in the middle of the mainspring and not against one edge.... if you were to drop that thing it could extract itself before you know it!

i would use my spring winder.... but if you don't have one, you could always go for the method described in the first sentence.

 

[R. Croswell]

I just get a good grip on the spring, snip the wire, slowly relay the grip.

RC

 

[Jrfixer]

Like RC said, with gloves and glasses on and a good grip on a clean bench, cut the wire and slowly let it unwind.

Then wipe it down clean of all shipping oil. Re oil with your favorite variety and wind it up on your main spring winder and install

With Band saw blades I use a different technique

 

[John Rausch]

first of all, that retaining clip should be in the middle of the mainspring and not against one edge.... if you were to drop that thing it could extract itself before you know it!

i would use my spring winder.... but if you don't have one, you could always go for the method described in the first sentence.

I have a spring winder that has worked well with loop-end springs secured like this, but catching the hole-end looks a little more fraught with "excitement".

 

[Jrfixer]

I have a spring winder that has worked well with loop-end springs secured like this, but catching the hole-end looks a little more fraught with "excitement".

You need to add a hook with a 90 degree bend or perpendicular to the spring and not parallel like the loop end spring.

 

[Jaap]

Place the wound spring on the floor. Put your foot on it and snip the wire.

 

[Wimberleytech]

For a more controlled release, how about using a hose clamp. Screw it down tight, cut the wire, slowly unscrew the clamp. If the range of a single clamp is not good enough, have a second larger one to use once the first one gets to end of travel.
Never tried this...just now thought of it.

 

[R. Croswell]

Place the wound spring on the floor. Put your foot on it and snip the wire.

Now that's one I've never heard of before.

RC

 

[R. Croswell]

For a more controlled release, how about using a hose clamp. Screw it down tight, cut the wire, slowly unscrew the clamp. If the range of a single clamp is not good enough, have a second larger one to use once the first one gets to end of travel.
Never tried this...just now thought of it.

You say, "how about using a hose clamp ...", is it safe to assume that this is just a suggestion and not something you have actually used? I see several potential problems; you could only control a bit less than half or the width of the spring while the wire is in place, a hose clamp large enough to contain a new spring may be hard to find, as the spring expands it may want to spill out of the hose clamp before fully expanded. Grip and snip will take about 2 seconds, will take a lot longer futzing around with a hose clamp(s).

I don't think anyone mentioned the towel method. Wrap the spring in a heavy towel, clip the wire.

I use a full-face shield when working with a "loaded spring" that could "go off" unexpectedly - in my hand or in my spring winder.

RC

 

[Swanicyouth]

I do it the way I was taught by the Victrola people. Those things have main springs with more power & I own a few. Wrap it up in a heavy canvas laundry type bag; or I’ve also used a moving blanket.

 

[Wimberleytech]

You say, "how about using a hose clamp ...", is it safe to assume that this is just a suggestion and not something you have actually used?

No I have not tried it, but will at my next opportunity.

 

[shutterbug]

Like most of the seasoned repairmen here, I have to fear of gripping the spring in a gloved hand and snipping the wire. You'll be surprised how little power is released this way.

 

[bwclock]

Here's a little poll... what's your favorite way of (safely) extracting a new spring from the baling wire retainer? (specifically a hole-end spring).

View attachment 715581

I lay a towel over the mainspring and snip the wire. Sometimes i will hold the spring through the towel when I snip the wire and let it expand slowly. Whatever feels appropriate at the time.
BB

 

[Clockinit]

I use the glove method as well...Pretty EZ to control...my opinion

Bob

 

[R. Croswell]

Like most of the seasoned repairmen here, I have to fear of gripping the spring in a gloved hand and snipping the wire. You'll be surprised how little power is released this way.

I usually snip both sides of the "twist". The thought of skin being ripped by the twist bothers me more that the expanding spring, which as stated, "You'll be surprised how little power is released this way". I suppose gloves should be used, but I have trouble feeling what I'm doing when I wear my leather welding gloves. I usually use those common brown cotton gloves that are sold almost everywhere........... that is when I can find them. Always use face protection, and special care (gloves, towel, etc.) with larger springs.

RC

 

[wow]

Well, I mount it in my trusty ole Ollie Baker, wind it up, cut the wire, and unwind it. Slow and easy!

 

[shutterbug]

My post should have read "no fear" not "to fear". Sorry

 

[wow]

My post should have read "no fear" not "to fear". Sorry

“To Fear” may be appropriate with those 31 day springs and large ones like Sonoras.

 

[shutterbug]

For sure, Will. I don't play that way with big springs

 

[Bruce Alexander]

I usually hold the spring with a gloved hand and slowly untwist the wire with a pair of pliers. The spring release is usually pretty gradual and easily controlled.

 

[Schatznut]

I usually hold the spring with a gloved hand and slowly untwist the wire with a pair of pliers. The spring release is usually pretty gradual and easily controlled.

That's the way I do it too. Maybe it's just the illusion of control, but I prefer the gradual release of tension rather than a sudden one.

 

[Swanicyouth]

Yes. I thought of that. I always use oil anyway. I haven’t taken this apart yet - but it may be a Waterbury star movement. I can see there are brass inserts for bushings now, but they look pretty small.