Removing an unwound mainspring

[Folkvisor]

I am working on an old family heirloom Ingraham clock that had an issue with an unwound mainspring because the click spring came off and the click slipped off and released the spring.

I'm thinking the mainspring hole isn't being held by the arbour pin. I've tried holding the spring on the pin with a screwdriver while winding with no success.

Perhaps the only thing I can do is put a wire around the mainspring to keep it from unwinding and then taking it out.

Any and all ideas are welcome. 

 

[oldhippy]

You can buy main spring clamps for these types of movements, you put the clamp over the wound up spring and release the click so the main spring unwinds enough in the clamp so it’s safe for you to take the clock plates apart. Have you ever tried putting one of these back together I have and it's  **BLEEP** difficult.

Edited May 12, 2017 by oldhippy

[Folkvisor]

I can't put a spring clamp on this spring because I can't wind it. It is almost totally unwound and was touching the side of the case when I took it out. That's why I was wondering about putting a wire 'clamp' on it before I remove it. I think it will be possible to get it to work but I need to get the pin to go in the end hole. This is not proving easy. If I could do that I can wind the spring because it doesn't look broken and put a spring clamp on it.

This is my first clock job and I think it's going to be a bit of an adventure. 

But I do like the fact that all the wheels are so nice and big.

 

[oldhippy]

If that is the case and you don't have a mainspring winder and this is your first clock job it would be best if you buy a new spring which will already be clamped, you just need to make sure it fixes to the arbour. The other way is to take the movement a part and with a pair of round nose pliers shape the end to hook on the arbour, but you will have a hell of a job putting it back together with a unwound spring. For your first clock job you sure have picked a tough one. 

[altaka]

Folkvisor,

The spring is probably broken near the arbor pin. The pin causes a bump where the next coil rides over and it weakens the metal. It starts off softened, but after many years hardens and cracks. When the spring broke it may have bent a neighboring arbor. Lets hope not.

In a case like this, the movement is more valuable than the possible broken spring so I would cut every coil with a snip and then pull out each coil to release any additional tension. Put a clamp around the other spring to contain it normally.

Disassemble clean and repair the movement.

Replace the broken spring making sure to clean it to get the rust inhibitor off, clean the other spring also.

Reinstall onto the Great Wheels with clamps, Repair the clicks and springs if needed.

Assemble, lube and time the movement outside the clock for at least a few weeks.

Install back into the case and enjoy the clock.

I have many free tips on my website that may be helpful.

Along with free plans for the Collins Spring Winder, just email me [email protected]

Al Takatsch

Jefferson ClockWorks

https://www.youtube.com/user/altaka1

[Folkvisor]

Thank you both for your replies. I think it'll be a bit of a challenge but I hope to have the clock working again in the not too distant future. I plan to get some clock tools. They seem a lot cheaper on the whole than watch tools.

Al, I will do as you suggest. It will be much less of a hassle replacing the spring than trying to mess with it.

I was wondering about cutting the spring; I can probably use the piano wire snips. I wear leather gloves and eye protection for those so I'll do the same for the spring. 

Also, I'll have a look at the Collins Spring Winder as well as your video on youtube.

Again, thank you both. I will certainly have more questions.

 

[altaka]

The springs cut easily with aviation metal cutters, Looks like very powerful scissors.

https://www.harborfreight.com/aviation-snips-3-pc-62157.html

 

[oldhippy]

The type of manspring winder you need will have to be able to wind closed looped springs as most of these types of clocks the spring ends are riveted into a loop and fit over one of the pillers. If the spring is broken teeth could also be damaged.

[Folkvisor]

The teeth look OK. I hope the pin on the arbour is OK. I'll find out when I take the spring off. That has yet to be done. They have good snips at Acklands here in town; my string cutter won't work.

Time pieces are never boring. There is a good video on YouTube about the Harrison Clock called "The Search for Longitude". It's very good. My clock wouldn't work on a ship.

 

 

[Folkvisor]

I got a pair of aircraft snips and they cut through the spring really well. It's mostly off but won't cause problems with what's left. 

[Folkvisor]

I finally got some tools today and I successfully let the tension down on the chime side of the clock into the C-clamp. That's when I stopped and had a beer. I will continue with work tomorrow and take photos at every step.

 

[TimFitz]

Bravo !!

[vinn3]

I have used a radiator hose clamp to hold a wound clock main spring.   vin

[Folkvisor]

I might use wire. I have some C-clamps now but I'm nervous about winding it tight enough to use them. 

[oldhippy]

If you have the proper clamps don't worry they are very strong and won't give way. Whe you are working with strong clock mainsprings wear a pair of thick gloves and protect your eyes.