Repairing Your Own Clocks
By Mervyn Passmore

© Copyright
Mervyn Passmore 2005

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Contents
    Introduction
    Which clock to begin on?
    Hand Removal
        Pin and Collet
        Hand nut
        Friction fitting
    Removing the dial
    Letting down mainsprings
    To strip or not to strip?
        Cleaning without stripping down
    Stripping down the movement
    Repairs
        Pivots
        Bushing:
            Choosing cutting broaches
        Re-facing the pallets
        Checking the crutch and yoke
        The Platform Escapement
            Ordering a replacement platform
            Fitting a new platform
        Broken and Missing Pieces
            Broken teeth
            Suspensions.
            Clock chain
            Clock glass
            Mainsprings
            Pendulums
            Gong rods
            Winding keys
    Cleaning the dismantled movement
        Pegging out
        Using an ultrasonic tank
    Lacquering
    Re-assembly
    Lubrication
    Re-assembling and Setting up
    Setting up
        Siting
        Regulation
    Tips, Hints & Helps
        Bluing
        Silver soldering
        Soft soldering
        Dial Silvering
        Splicing 30 hour rope
        Black Marble or slate cases
    Tables
        Broach table
        Train count table

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Hand Removal

Removing the movement from the case.

Clock repairing generally involves two distinct areas - metalwork and woodwork. Even where the case is made of metal as in a carriage clock, the processes for the movement and case are still quite distinct. The first thing to do is to physically separate the movement from the case. The method of removing a movement varies considerably from one type of clock to another.

A quick examination will soon show whether the movement should be extracted complete with the dial and hands or whether the dial is fixed to the case. In the latter situation, the hands will need to be removed before the movement can be released. Never dismantle the movement with the mainsprings wound - they have a lot of energy stored in them and can be dangerous to you and the clock. Do not undo any part of the movement without reading the section entitled 'Letting down mainsprings'.

Hand removal: There are three basic methods by which clock hands are retained:-

Pin & Collet

Threaded hand nut

Friction fit



This document is © copyright M&P 2005
© Copyright Meadows & Passmore Ltd and Mervyn Passmore 2005
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