Pallet pin

[Nathan S]

I've just got a midget Haller and one of the pallet pins is broken off. It is .011' diameter. Is there a method of getting the snapped off end out of the anchor, please?

 

[KurtinSA]

I'm guessing you're looking at a pin pallet escapement...pictures would help. I seem to recall some discussion in the past 6 months about this. From memory, not seeing what you're seeing, you will need to use a solution of alum to dissolve the steel pin in the brass anchor. The past discussion was then using sewing needles for pin replacements.

A few past threads:

Pin Pallet Repair | NAWCC Forums

S Haller "Elo" midget escapement question | NAWCC Forums

Kurt

 

[Nathan S]

I'm guessing you're looking at a pin pallet escapement...pictures would help. I seem to recall some discussion in the past 6 months about this. From memory, not seeing what you're seeing, you will need to use a solution of alum to dissolve the steel pin in the brass anchor. The past discussion was then using sewing needles for pin replacements.

A few past threads:

Pin Pallet Repair | NAWCC Forums

S Haller "Elo" midget escapement question | NAWCC Forums

Kurt

Thanks for the alum tip, that solves the main problem thank you.

 

[Nathan S]

Thanks for the alum tip, that solves the main problem thank you.

This whole anchor is very small. Is there a way to stop the arbor getting corrupted with alum-maybe lacquer?

 

[KurtinSA]

Again, pictures would help. I think the approach is to find a way to only dip the part of the anchor with the pin into the solution.

 

[Dells]

Is it a brass or steel anchor? If it’s steel you can’t use alum because it will dissolve the anchor.
Dell

 

[clksmyhobby]

Nathan,

I managed to break a pin not once, but twice on the same clock. In 2013 I was able to find a source for a new anchor and promptly broke it during installation - definitely learned to be more careful with those things. Note: I work only on my own clocks, and offer the following as my experience. I have never used alum so I cannot speak to that method.

Using a genuine phonograph needle from an antique Victrola as a punch, I was able to remove the broken piece by carefully driving it out from the back side of the anchor. There was a small opening in the anchor and the phono needle was very sharp and very hard. The broken remnant came out with a slight tap and the opening did not seem to enlarge noticeably.

A very fine sewing needle was then seated tightly in the opening, with the point extending a bit through the back side. I did not have a micrometer then to measure the diameter, so I eyeballed it. That was 9 1/2 years ago on a Haller miniature (plate 1521AA) that I still own and is still working.

Hope you find a solution that works for you.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[Nathan S]

Is it a brass or steel anchor? If it’s steel you can’t use alum because it will dissolve the anchor.
Dell

Brass

 

[Tony3900]

What is Alum solution. Yhanks in advance

 

[Ken M]

You geet Alum in the spices at your local food store. Mix some with water, equals Alum solution. It takes time, be patient.

 

[gmorse]

Hi Tony,

What is Alum solution.

Its chemical name is potassium aluminium sulphate and you can certainly buy it at food stores, it's used in some pickling processes.

To use it for removing steel parts from non-ferrous metals it works best if the solution is saturated and warmed; warming it allows more to dissolve and it speeds up the process. You must be absolutely sure that there are no other steel parts in contact with it that you want to keep intact. The steel will turn black and bubbles of gas will be released.

Regards,

Graham

 

[Tony3900]

You geet Alum in the spices at your local food store. Mix some with water, equals Alum solution. It takes time, be patient.

Thank you raided the wife's spice cabinet and am currently soaking the broken pin section wish me luck.

 

[Tony3900]

Hi Tony,


Its chemical name is potassium aluminium sulphate and you can certainly buy it at food stores, it's used in some pickling processes.

To use it for removing steel parts from non-ferrous metals it works best if the solution is saturated and warmed; warming it allows more to dissolve and it speeds up the process. You must be absolutely sure that there are no other steel parts in contact with it that you want to keep intact. The steel will turn black and bubbles of gas will be released.

Regards,

Graham

Thank you raided the wife's spice cabinet and am currently soaking the broken pin section wish me luck.

 

[Gyro Gearloose]

Guitar strings have been used to replace the pallet pins, in particular the high "E" string. The following thread may be of interest:

Pin pallet replacement & pivot repair

~ Frank

 

[Tony3900]

Guitar strings have been used to replace the pallet pins, in particular the high "E" string. The following thread may be of interest:

Pin pallet replacement & pivot repair

~ Frank

Thank you

 

[tracerjack]

This other thread might help. Pin Pallet Repair. Oh, I think I already posted this some where else. Oh, well.