My two cents regarding clock cord: Merritt's, Timesavers, and most other supply houses sell wonderful braided light tan clock cord in several strengths. It is cheap. It is made right here in Rhode Island. I use it in tall case clocks, ogees, Vienna regulators, rare pillar & scrolls, banjo timepieces, and wall clocks of all types. It doesn't fray, it doesn't break. It is a pleasing color, not bright white,and so doesn't need to be colored. It is nylon, so the application of a flame from a match or lighter allows it to be brought to a sharp point for threading through small holes in winding barrels, and the same is done to seal the end of the cord just out past the knot. It's not suitable for large Elliot or Durfee or Tiffany style hall clocks, but works splendidly for most others.
I buy it for several reasons- first, it is well thought out and perfect for what it does, taking the guesswork out of buying fishing cord or some other line. Secondly, it is made in U.S.A., so its manufacture employs Americans. Thirdly, while we hardly ever think about it, giving our business to established clock supply houses instead of big box stores keeps them (the suppliers) in business, which is obviously to our benefit, as well as theirs, in the long run.
Almost every weight driven clock that comes through my shop is strung with something ridiculous, like monofilament fishing line or cotton twine. One pillar and splat I recently restored had what I think was one strand of a piece of yellow plastic lobster pot rope for the weight cords.
So, there, I've said it. Everyone has an opinion, take mine for what it's worth.
