Time Clock Mainsprings

[Tom Englund]

Without thinking too much about it, I took in an old time clock for cleaning/repair. This thing has huge springs and a 7mm winding arbor. I'm cautious about letting down the power. I did go back and search on this topic and saw the suggestions about using hose clamps or coat hanger wire to contain the springs. I can make a let down tool out of a big oak dowel slotted to accept the winding key. It still scares me... should I go ahead? And what about a spring winder? My Keystone won't handle these things, will it?

 

[Tom Englund]

Without thinking too much about it, I took in an old time clock for cleaning/repair. This thing has huge springs and a 7mm winding arbor. I'm cautious about letting down the power. I did go back and search on this topic and saw the suggestions about using hose clamps or coat hanger wire to contain the springs. I can make a let down tool out of a big oak dowel slotted to accept the winding key. It still scares me... should I go ahead? And what about a spring winder? My Keystone won't handle these things, will it?

 

[harold bain]

Hi, Tom. When letting down these springs, I first tie them up with wire, then remove the anchor (verge), and let it slowly run down, using a finger to slow it. My Webster is able to handle them to tighten back up after cleaning, not sure about keystone. Be careful that both springs are let down equally.
Harold

 

[Tom Englund]

Hi, Harold. Thanks for that tip. Once again, I've been caught overlooking a simple solution. I appreciate your response.
Tom

 

[Tom Englund]

As a follow up... I used your suggestion, Harold, for letting the springs down. Perfect.

Someone else (in a previous thread, I think) had suggested lighter weight springs would work fine in this clock if the driveshaft to the lower (time clock) movement were disconnected. I took up on that suggestion, too. My customer is elderly and had a terrible time winding the clock with those beefy springs. Now, the clock works wonderfully and the owner can wind it easily.

Thanks, all, for your information.

Tom