Clock Mainsprings

The Two Clock Mainspring Styles

Here we have a complete listing of both hole end clock mainsprings as well as the loop end. Read More »

The hole end mainspring is the kind that is in a barrel and you cannot see the clock mainspring unless you open the barrel cap to see it. The loop end mainspring is the kind you can see right away when you look at the movement as it is not in an enclosure. It is called a loop end as it has a loop on the outer end that goes over the pillar of the movement. Both the hole end and loop end clock mainsprings have a hole end in the inner end of the spring where it will attach to the winding arbor.

Clock Mainspring Warning

There is a special tool required to change clock mainsprings, called a mainspring let down key set.Read More »

This tool eliminates the possibility of the repairman getting injured and is described in the Clock Help pages. You really do not want to get whacked by one of the clock mainsprings, they can hurt. This is why the tension of the spring is released before separating the clock plates, or attempting to remove the spring in anyway. Without the tension of the spring being released, the spring will unwind it self very fast in a uncontrollable fashion that can harm the repair person and the rest of the clock movement. Wear safety glasses and gloves every time you work with a clock mainspring.

Determine the correct clock mainspring

In order to swap a mainspring one would need to measure the approximate length, the thickness and the width of the mainspring you now have.Read More »

This requires the broken mainspring to come out of the clock movement, and out of the barrel if it has one. If the mainspring is contained in a casing, called a barrel, then it’s a hole end mainspring.

If you can see the mainspring in the movement, and its not in a barrel, then it’s a loop end mainspring. You will use a micrometer or caliper to measure the thickness of the spring steel, then measure how wide the spring is, then try to get the length the best possible. The length is the trickiest measurement to get, usually it’s done by clamping one end in a vise and stretching it out and measuring section by section and then adding it up. So the length is the one measurement that does not have to be perfect. If you have the thickness and width correct and you find it on the chart, but the length is not perfect it is still ok. Best to get one a little shorter than longer if using a barrel as a longer spring may not fit in the container.

o now if the mainspring installed is a little shorter than the original the only thing that will happen is it will not run quiet as long. Instead of 8 days on a full wind it may run 7 ½ days or so. Sometimes this is all that can be done if the mainspring is not in production at the exact same size as the one needed.

Send in for repair instead

If all this is confusing or troublesome, then you can just send the movement, pendulum, and hands into us for a repair.Read More »

However when we do a repair we not only fix the mainspring issue but we test each gear and arbor for damage that often occurs during mainspring breakage. If you would like a quote for this work before sending it in, please email some pics of the movement to [email protected] and request a quote.

GOTO LOOP END Complete Listing clock mainsprings
GOTO HOLE END
Complete Listing clock mainsprings

Clock Mainspring Tools

Clock Repair Tools Mainspring Release Tool

Handle with 3 chucks covers about every key size. Put the chuck into the handle and then release the mainspring in a slow controlled manner in your grip. This is done by putting the tool onto the key post arbor and then gently releasing the click that holds the mainspring wound up.

#CT25 - $35

CT25: $50.00
Clock Repair Tools Mainspring Let Downs

Used to release the power in a wound up mainspring. Key goes into the chuck and the chuck goes into the handle so you can let down the power of the spring. It does the same job as the let down with all the chucks. If someone were to take a spring driven clock apart without letting down the mainsprings, bad things may happen. The movement would get ruined and you can get your hands hurt.

#CT26 - $20

CT26: $35.00
Clock Repair Tools Mainspring Clamps

Set of 4 mainspring Clock Tools clamps keep a mainspring in the wound position to keep them under control. Best to get two of these sets for paired sized mainsprings.

#CT2 - $9

CT2: $17.00
Clock Repair Tools Loop End Mainspring Winder

Winder for loop end mainsprings, to be used with the mainspring clamps. This is to take a unwound loop end mainspring and wind it up to get a clamp on. When the C clamp is on, it is much easier to manage in the clock movement assembly process.

#CT1 - $10

CT1: $28.00
Clock Key Tool 5 Prong Clock Keys

These two 5 prong clock keys will wind almost all wall or mantle clocks. This is a useful key set when having many clocks, or do not want to be bothered figuring out a key size.

#CT7 - $19

CT7: $19.00
Clock Repair Tools Webster Mainspring Winder

Webster style mainspring winder allows you to safely remove and install loop or hole end mainsprings. Includes 2 hooks, 9 mainspring sleeves 1" to 2-1/4" and instructions. NOTE: This unit is equipped with the new arbor support

#CT40 - $250

CT40: $20.00