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Brass Single-End Clock Key

(67 reviews)

$10.00

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Brass Single-End Clock Key

Single end brass clock key to wind up a wall or mantle mechanical clock movement. See instructions on the top tabs for how to get the right size key for your clock.

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CK4: $10.00
Clock Keys and Cranks- Use our clock key chart to figure out the exact fit for the clock. We offer keys and grandfather clock cranks.
Clock KeysFinding the right clock keyDouble End Clock Key (F / S at 12) NoteThe clock key chart
Please view these information tabs to help with determining the proper key size for your clock.

Mechanical clock keys

Mechanical clock keys is the clock part that is most frequently lost. Once the clock key is no longer with the clock it always seems to end up missing. With the below information you can order a new key utilizing the clock key size chart.

Getting the right one

We have mechanical clock keys in all the sizes available. Between the key chart or by movement type information below, the chances are good of getting the perfect key. The movement type includes if the clock is made in Germany or USA and when it was made.

This is the fastest and most easiest way to get the clock key. The further back in time we go with clocks the more the key chart would need to be used instead. There will be a stamp with the country of origin on the back plate of the movement and this can help us get the key.

Keys for German units post WW2

German made post WW2 movements that are square or rectangle will take a number 8 keys or crank.

If the clock movement is round and made in Germany the key size is number 4. Some round ones will take a number 3 but if getting a 4 it will still fit and wind the clock either way.

Keys for USA units 1900 - 1950

American clocks made from around 1875 until after the second war almost always take the size 7 clock key. The number 7 keys fits the 8 day time / strike units pretty much every time and this is what USA made the most of. This rule may not apply to Westminster (3 places to wind) or time only (one place to wind) clock movements.

Keys for Korean and Chinese clocks

Size 7 for these units usually. All the 31 day clocks with Asian movements and also US replicas made in India, all take size 7.

The over wound myth

Of course any clock that is not working will be wound all the way up from trying to make it run. Everyone winds it up and the clock does not work so the non working clock is always wound up.

The only way a clock can be over wound is if its been wound up for so long that the mainspring stuck.

When the mainspring is stuck together to itself with rust and goo for so long it may stick that way. This is rarely the situation and usually the clock would have rust on it if the mainspring is so wound up it will not wind down.

The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2022

Double-End Clock-Key F-S Note

The following is a Double-End Clock-Key F-S Note that will be very handy. Some clocks have a small place that looks like a mini clock winding arbor at the 12. It may say F/S or A/R. The F/S represents fast or slow, and the A/R represents advance or retard.

This controls the timing of the clock and turning it to fast or advance makes time faster and the opposite for slow. An ideal double end key fits both the winding arbor to wind the clock and also fits the smaller time regulator aspect.

This is not easy to get and at the same time is the most lost part. It is possible to regulate the clock another way with an adjustable bob instead of a fixed length bob.

Get the double end key the hard way

Using the clock key size chart, get the right size that the clock requires. This chart works for both the fast/slow regulator and also to wind the clock.

However, this is not easy because it requires a measurement of the post the double end key fits onto. In order to get this measurement remove the clock movement or the dial. Without access to the front of the movement it is hard to measure exactly how wide the arbors are that the key is to go on.

Double end clock key the easy way

There are many sizes and combinations for the double end key and it may be tricky to get the right size. Sometimes it is best to just get the 4 pack of double end keys we offer

. These are the top 4 most common double end clock keys so the odds are one will be the correct key. Ideally this will supply the clock with a key that fits both the F/S regulator and the winders. However be aware this 4 pack does not guarantee one will work.

Double-End Clock Key F-S Note Continued - An alternate method

It is possible to forget the whole double end key game and use a single end key instead. It does make things easier and is a better long term solution.

Inevitably, once the perfect fit the key will get lost again. This seems to be the trend of what happens. Once the key is separate from the clock, there is a higher chance of it getting lost. Many times we suggest putting the key in the bottom of the clock case for safe keeping

Using an adjustable bob instead

The solution to the double end key problems is to get the single end key to wind the clock. Also get the adjustable bob. The adjustable bob can be regulate the clock with the pendulum instead.

The bob will have a nut on the bottom. Raise the bob on the pendulum to speed up time. The opposite is true for slowing time down. Once regulating the clock, it will stay this way for the most part. Some timing may or may not need to be done when the temperature changes vastly.

For the most part, time the clock and it will stay that way within a couple of minutes a day all year long. The adjustable pendulum bob comes in three sizes, or bob diameters. The middle or smaller diameter bob is fine for most clocks because the weight is not as important as the length.

Parts available to purchase

Other parts to consider besides the double end clock keys. We have two styles of the adjustable pendulum bobs. One of them is the three sizes of bobs that have the nut underneath. We call this the Adjustable Mantle Clock Bob.

There is another style bob that is adjustable from the back side. We just call it the Adjustable Antique Style Mantle Clock Bob. They both function the same, it has a bob on the pendulum that can regulate the time.

The part they hang onto is usually a long wire with flex spring steel on the top. This gets bent and cut into shape for the proper length. It comes in a three pack and we call them the Long Suspension Spring Rods.

The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2022

Clock key size chart explanation

Clock keys have there own number system from 000 to 16 as seen in the Clock key size chart. However the number does not indicate what size is what number and can be confusing. So how do you use the Clock key size chart to get the right key?

It would make more sense if the key size was the MM of how wide the key was to fit, but this is not how it works. This section is to figure out what key number to order so the clock can be wound up. Subsequently, the clock key gets lost the most out of any other clock part.

Of course, it can be tricky to find the right key for your clock because there are many sizes. The Clock key size chart will give us the right size key to order.

Double end clock keys

In addition, some keys have two sizes on one key and this is called a double end key. By and large, the clock key size chart will work for both the wind up part of the clock and also the smaller F / S portion. When the clock has a F / S regulator portion it will be at the 12 o'clock on the dial.

Alternately, if there is a small arbor inside of a hole at 12, this is the time regulator control and the key would have two ends. Thus, it may say F / S at this location or A / R. F / S stands for Fast or Slow, or it could say A / R to stand for Advance or Retard and is referring to the timing of the clock.

Of course, if the clock is running fast in time, turn more to the Slow or Retard direction to slow it down. Refer to the Clock key size chart with your measurements to find a key to work with this function.

Getting the right Clock key size

Given these points, to get the key needed, measure the shaft the key is to go on to, then use the Clock key size chart to get the key size needed.

Please do not call asking what key the clock needs, as you will be told it would still have to be measured. In short, measure the shaft that the key goes onto in MM and then use the clock key size chart to match it up.

The lazy way instead of the Clock key size chart

The Clock key size chart has all of the sizes listed however sometimes certain key sizes are known. Generally speaking, almost all post 1960 mechanical clocks, made in Germany take a size #8 key or crank, unless the movement is round.

Ordinarily the round ones take a number 4. The American time strike antique units mostly take the size 7 key. Match your measurements to the Clock key size chart to be sure.

  • 1.75mm = 000 Key
  • 2.0mm = 00 Key
  • 2.25mm = 0 Key
  • 2.5mm = 1 Key
  • 2.75mm = 2 Key
  • 3.0mm = 3 Key
  • 3.25mm = 4 Key
  • 3.5mm = 5 Key
  • 3.75mm = 6 Key
  • 4.0mm = 7 Key
  • 4.25mm = 8 Key
  • 4.5mm = 9 Key
  • 4.75mm = 10 Key
  • 5.00mm = 11 Key
  • 5.25mm = 12 Key
  • 5.5mm = 13 Key
  • 5.75mm = 14 Key
  • 6.0mm = 15 Key
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2022

Brass Single-End Clock Key

Single end brass clock key to wind up a wall or mantle mechanical clock movement. See instructions on the top tabs for how to get the right size key for your clock. Most post 1960 mechanical clocks, made in Germany, take a size #8 key or crank. This is for the most part always true with the exception of round movements, these take size 4.

Additional information

Weight0.25 lbs
Size

Size 000, Size 00, Size 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

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Jim Jacobs
Jim Jacobs
1 month ago

I have an anniversary clock made in Germany in the 1920’s or 30’s. I have no key with it but I tried a size 8 key, but is to small. Any recommendations or ideas on key size?

susan
susan
1 month ago

Seth Thomas E15-003

Christina Lim
Christina Lim
1 month ago

Hello, i am looking for the Hermle mechanical skeleton 791-081 winding key. Please advise which size and where to buy.

Becky O'Connor
Becky O'Connor
2 months ago

I have a Seth Thomas Wharton Moon Clock – 1219-000 would you have a key to fit that please????

bigradar
bigradar
5 months ago

Hi: I have a Korean made wind clock: This clock has Rolens written on Clock Face. It is supposed to run for 31days. Purchased at an estate sale. The strike does not work as the spring has been wound tight. Once the clock was hung on wall, I wound the opening position on the right side as it turns to left to tighten spring. I managed to wind the spring and set time. This clock has run and keeps good time but difficult to wind. The key for this clock is a number 6. 3.75. The clock has run down, and I attempted to wind with the key.
The key seems to be rounded inside the key opening. This key slips on the winding stem / shaft. I want to order a replacement key and think! ?? size 6 should wind this clock.
I would like to know if there is a key that is maybe a half size ie like size 5.5 key number. I am open to suggestions as I would like to have this clock run even thou the striker isnt working. Please offer suggestions. Definately need to have a working key that can wind the stem as the clock has run down and needs to be wound to run. [email protected]

Bob
Bob
5 months ago

what size key would I need for this clock

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/aaron-willard-massachusetts-shelf-510280962

if you can tell from description given

Angelia Quattlebaum
Angelia Quattlebaum
5 months ago

I have a Urgos key mantel clock I’m not sure what year I believed to be bought in Germany in the 50’or 60’s what key should I get?

Paul Barlow
Paul Barlow
5 months ago

What size clock key for a Dugena wall clock?

Suzanne Pritchett
Suzanne Pritchett
6 months ago

What size clock key for an Ansonia “Ezee-Set” clock?

Suzanne Whisenant Pritchett
Suzanne Whisenant Pritchett
6 months ago

Do you sell this key?

knine2009
knine2009
8 months ago

I have a D&A pendulum wall clock that as near as I can tell takes a 4,5 mm key. Not sure how that corresponds to your size chart. Let me know if that is correct if you can

paul Reginald fleming
paul Reginald fleming
9 months ago

need part # 01-53 and 01-54 full size kundo 400 day clock

Gordon K Green
Gordon K Green
9 months ago

My model number is a Seth Thomas E537-001 What key do I need ?

Steve H
Steve H
6 months ago

That key is way too big for that clock in my experience. Seth Thomas, Cat: 1008, Name: Helmsman-W, Model: E537-001 Back to the drawing board I guess.

Petetr Swen
Petetr Swen
9 months ago

My Elgin E-49 Clock needs a crank key. I do not know the size..
Please gives me a suggestion for that clock’s key.

Petetr Swen
Petetr Swen
9 months ago

Good Afternoon. My Clock is Elgin E-49 clock. I do not know the size.
Would U sells me a fits size crank key?
Thank U!!!

Diane Cox
Diane Cox
11 months ago

Hello Can you help me find the clock key size for Sligh mantel clock – Model 0515-1-AB, Movement 502-2961, Reg 401-137-6636. Thank you, Diane

Kimberly Evans
Kimberly Evans
11 months ago

We have a Mauthe wall clock. The size 8 key is too small. The shafts may be about 5mm, but they are recessed and hard to measure. It was made in Germany and the number 140-93 is on the back. Any idea what size key we need?

Stephen Bennett
Stephen Bennett
11 months ago

I have a Victoria & Albert Museum Marie Antoinette clock. Sticker on the bottom brass plate says Crafted in Malaysia. This clock has two shafts that are recessed in the front that appear to be the same size. I am unable to measure the winding shafts because of the recess. Would you know what size key this clock takes ?

Stephen Bennett
Stephen Bennett
11 months ago

Ok, thanks for your reply.

Md Jamsed Uddin
1 year ago

Thanks for the kind of information. I saw it on the clock Hardware website.

Larry Miller
Larry Miller
1 year ago

I need a winding key for a Seth Thomas E537-001 Helmsman clock. Do you have the key size?

Debra Roberts
Debra Roberts
1 year ago

I have a Seth Thomas Wharton mantle clock model 1219-000 that I need replacement key. What size key do I need?

Debra Roberts
Debra Roberts
1 year ago
Reply to  Debra Roberts

It says
Made in Germany for Seth Thomas Division
General Time Corp.
A401-004
two jewels
7210

Rick
Rick
1 year ago

I have a Sligh Model 0503-1-HC Mantel clock with Number 068-0018-88. I need a key for this. Do I need any additional information to purchase a winding key?

Janet Hoyt
Janet Hoyt
1 year ago

I have a mantle clock, it is a Linden Black Forest, Cuckoo Clock Mfg. Co. Inc. The #’s on the back is: 341-020, 11 cm, 200.78, I need to find a key. How do I know what size to get?

Danielle Frank
Danielle Frank
1 year ago

Hello-
I have a Roehm and Wright stone mantle clock from 1850’s out of Detroit. The clock face has 2 square shapes each recessed in a circle at the 4 and 8 o clock positions which I presume are where the key inserts? Can you tell me the size key to buy? Thanks!

CAROL
CAROL
1 year ago

I have a Ridgeway Grandfather Clock and the
key has been lost. I found this # on the clock 90839932. Can you assist me in getting a replacement key?

klein_joanne
klein_joanne
1 year ago

I have a Seth Thomas mantle clock. Would that be an 8 key? The rapidly cracking key I have is HR 75-274 West Germany even though the clock says made in U.S.A.

Sharon Held
Sharon Held
1 year ago

I have a Howard Miller Bellingham Mantle Clock and I need a key for it. What size do I need?

Joe Rovelli
Joe Rovelli
1 year ago

I have a Seth Thomas Legacy IV mantel clock. On the directions in the back of the clock it has the number 7210. On the works of the clock it states “ Made in Germany for Seth Thomas division general time corp. A 403-001 two (2) jewels. 7206. Catalog #1301 1303.” I need a replacement key. Please advise which key will work. Appreciate it.

Trevor Lake
Trevor Lake
1 year ago

I have an Enfield mantle clock made in U K. What Size key doI need?

Irene Peduto
Irene Peduto
1 year ago

I have a Harris & Mallow Product made in Lakewood, NJ what size key does it take?

Beryl Lato
Beryl Lato
1 year ago

Need a key for winding a Sligh mantle clock purchased in the 1980’s. It is two jewels and the numbers 1050-021 are written inside. I read the chart you provide but unsure how to determine the shaft length. Thanks in advanve

Sandra Dorffeld
Sandra Dorffeld
1 year ago

I have a Welby windup clock dated 1942. German made. Which key do I need please?

Sandra Dorffeld
Sandra Dorffeld
1 year ago

Thank you

Sandra Berg
Sandra Berg
1 year ago
Rating :
     

Perfect! Thanks clockworks.

Cindy mix
Cindy mix
1 year ago

Size needed for Scottish drumhead 8 day grandfather clock?

John Bailey
John Bailey
1 year ago

I purchased this clock on line and it was loosing 2 minutes a day. I took 2 of the weights out put the balance wheel back in the clock
I don’t know what i did but the balance wheel will not run at all. any suggestions p-lease.

John Bailey
John Bailey
1 year ago
Reply to  John Bailey

Well, I was told by these clocks experts that If your mantel clock is losing around 2 minutes a day to remove about
two small weights on the balance wheel. It seems like there is not much information on Balance wheels as there is on
pendulums.I prefer a pendulum because it is easier to adjust the time on the clock. just turn a nut at the bottom.
where as you have to take the balance wheel apart if it is losing or gaining a lot of time.So now after removing two weights
and putting the balance wheel back in the clock the clock fails to run.

Elizabeth Wood Keen
Elizabeth Wood Keen
1 year ago

We have a Hamilton 2 jewel mantle clock made in Germany that we need a replacement key for! There is an 82 above the word Hamilton & below that is 340-020. The movers lost the key to it & it is no where to be found!

Elizabeth Wood Keen
Elizabeth Wood Keen
1 year ago

Thank you so much! You’re the best!!

David James Remarke
David James Remarke
1 year ago

Hello, I have a Seth Thomas model 890 and can’t find the key. Looking for the right size

David James Remarke
David James Remarke
1 year ago

Thank you

Katherine Logan
Katherine Logan
2 years ago

I have a Hermle Leyton Mantel Clock with a missing key. It appears to require a square key? What size do I need? Numbers on the back of clock are 791-081 and 16.5cm.

Jeff Wynn
Jeff Wynn
2 years ago

Need a wind key for a Seth Thomas Helmsman E537-001 clock with a small diameter key hole

Jeff Wynn
Jeff Wynn
9 months ago

I know it takes a #3 key! That’s not my question! I have bought and returned #3 keys because the ‘outside’ shaft diameter of the key is to large to fit in the hole (appears to be only 5mm dia.) in the face of the clock to wind it. Do you have a #3 key whose outside shaft diameter will fit inside the clock face hole??????

Sylvia
2 years ago

Can the volume be adjusted on this mantel clock

Kathi Sherrill
Kathi Sherrill
2 years ago

I have a beautiful mantle clock my father made me in the early 90’s. I have lost the wind up key. Is it replaceable?

Hung le
Hung le
2 years ago

Size key clock schatz 53

Stewart Waller
Stewart Waller
2 years ago

Hello! I have a Soviet Vostok submarine wall clock with a missing key. Can you help me?

Marc Johnson
Marc Johnson
2 years ago

Someone lost the key to my Ridgeway Grandfather clock. I have the serial number of the clock and it appears to have been made in 1982. How do I determine the proper key to purchase ?

Charlene Obara
Charlene Obara
2 years ago

I have a vintage Syroco Starburst clock. What size key do I need?

Anthony Pollock
Anthony Pollock
2 years ago

Franklin Mint reproduction Thomas Jefferson Grandfather Clock key

john leonard eisenlohr

i have a seth thomas helmsman clock lost key were can i buy one and what size do i need

john eisenlohr
2 years ago

i have lost the key for my seth thomas helmsman e537-001a what size key do i need to buy

April14
April14
2 years ago

Hi, I have a vintage MAJAK Russian Crystal Mantel Clock with Bakelite base. I would like to order one your website but I am not sure regarding which key size…Can you help. Thanks.

Paul
Paul
2 years ago

Do you know the size for a Smith Enfield mantle clock with two holes? I used a key that has ‘5’ stamped on it and it is a little too small.

SHERI HARVEY
SHERI HARVEY
3 years ago

I HAVE A WINDSOR (TEMPUS FIGUT) GRANDFATHER (FLOOR MODEL) CLOCK THAT NEEDS A KEY. IT WAS SILVER & HAD A SQUARE END, W/2 WIND UP SLOTS, ONE ON EACH SIDE OF FACE OF CLOCK. IT RINGS ON THE HR. & HALF HR. IT HAS BEEN RUNNING BUT NOT CHIMING. WE MOVED ONCE & CLOCK WORKED FINE….2ND. MOVE THE CLOCK WOULD NOT RUN, 3RD. MOVE CLOCK BEGAN TO RUN BUT LIKE I MENTIONED DOESN’T CHIME. DURING THS LAST MOVE THE KEY WAS LOST…THUS I’M LOOKING FOR A NEW KEY. CAN ANYONE HELP? WHERE CAN I FIND THE CHART FOR KEY MEASUREMENTS? AND SHOULD I BUY A KEY & IT DOESN’T FIT, IS IT RTURNABLE SO I CAN OEDERR SOMETHING ELSE. TX.