The elusive vintage Cannon Pinion Puller

[Wdc]

Well as I venture into the land of Horology, it can take a while until one really appreciates the tools of the trade. As I had read/watched Mark respond to a post once “the collection of tools never ends”. I can see that now.

I have always been a tool guy, no matter what I am doing, from oil & gas drilling to scores of workshop projects. Everything is done better with the right tool, and there’s a tool for everything.  

Personally, I am generally a LOT buyer, but that’s a story for another post.

This post is about a tool I hear Mark reference and recommend quite often. What I found is that they are like Hens Teeth, and hard to come by, unless of course you want to pay a fortune. Well, perseverance paid off a couple days back and I finally picked up the elusive vintage Cannon Pinion Puller for the descent price of $34.

Whereas I have had the good luck of pulling Cannon Pinions using various methods, it was only a matter of time.

Well my best to all and your tool collecting,

Will

[oldhippy]

Well done with that. I used a pair of these when I was watchmaking.

 

 

 

 

[rph952]

I need a cannon pinion puller for the Bulova 11 BLC movement. I got the wheel off using two razor blades, but it came flying off, so I don't want to repeat that. I've seen one for $13 on Esslinger, Watch Cannon Pinion Remover and Watch Hand Remover Tool. It looks like the same design as more expensive models. Will it get the job done?

[HectorLooi]

52 minutes ago, rph952 said:

I need a cannon pinion puller for the Bulova 11 BLC movement. I got the wheel off using two razor blades, but it came flying off, so I don't want to repeat that. I've seen one for $13 on Esslinger, Watch Cannon Pinion Remover and Watch Hand Remover Tool. It looks like the same design as more expensive models. Will it get the job done?

Unfortunately, there is no one tool for every case. Sometimes there might be something in the way where the tool might not be able to rest squarely.

And the newer cannon pinion puller made by Bergeon has been found to be unable to grip smaller size cannon pinions. Even some of the vintage K&D ones were unable to grip small cannon pinions. If you search in this forum, other users have run into this problem.

The Presto style puller does work quite well but like I said earlier, not in every case.

Sometimes you just have to grip the cannon pinion with a pin vise and pull it off.

Anyway, I think most of us will end up with a box full of cannon pinion pullers. So start your collection today.

[rph952]

Thanks for your advice Hector. Here's the part I need to pull. I think it's called a fourth wheel. For the minute hand.

[HectorLooi]

32 minutes ago, rph952 said:

Thanks for your advice Hector. Here's the part I need to pull. I think it's called a fourth wheel. For the minute hand.

Ok, that's not a cannon pinion. That's a centre second pinion drive wheel.

There are several options for dealing with this. You can leave it alone and clean the bridge with the freewheel as a whole. Or you can get a Presto No. 3, 5 spoke wheel puller, or wedge 2 sewing needles under the wheel as close to the centre hub as possible and pop it off. Or my favorite method as taught by my mentor, just remove the bridge with the freewheel intact, then using your fingers to grip the wheels on both sides and gently twist them off.

[rph952]

I didn't think about pulling it apart. I'll try it. Thanks!

[Waggy]

Are there any alternatives to a Bergeon 5 spoke Presto tool..... I think its ridiculous that they charge $70-100 for a tool which is almost identical to a $10 Chinese cannon pinion removing tool - I refuse to pay 10 times as much just because it has a Bergeon stamp on it. Anyone have an 'off brad" alternative?

And don't get me started on mainspring winders........

FYI Cousins UK have the Bergeon style (non presto) cannon pinion pulling tools brand new for half what you would pay on eBay for a used one. Just received mine and is great.

Edited February 16, 2023 by Waggy