Jump to content

mainspring installation help

dwhite

By dwhite
in Watch Repairs Help & Advice

 Share

Recommended Posts

dwhite WRT Addict

dwhite

Posted
Posted

I am going nuts trying to install a mainspring into an Elgin 16s barrel.  I haven't done a mainspring in 20 years and I don't remember having any problems before but this one is crazy!  I've gone through it several times and each time the t end on the mainspring winds up some distance from the slot in the barrel no matter how carefully I line it up, no matter even if I make sure the t is engaged into the slot before I push the release button on the winder.  Of course, once it, I cannot shift it to line up.  What in the world am I doing wrong?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
JohnR725 Distinguished Member

JohnR725

Posted
Posted

From your description it sounds like you're doing everything correct except? Then for anyone reading this Elgin 16 size mainsprings are typically T brace. So you wind it into your mainspring winder leaving a little bit out. Put all of that into the barrel line up your slot with the T. Make sure the T is in the slot you'll have to push down to do that. Then you have to hold the T in place otherwise it jumps out. Some people use the end of their tweezer I usually use my large screwdriver. Because if you try to push the spring into the barrel without holding the T in place you will discover as you have it will not stay word supposed to be.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
dwhite WRT Addict

dwhite

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks John, that's more or less what I had to do.   Funny but I don't remember having this problem before but, then again, I don't remember many things these days.  And it doesn't help that my hands now shake badly.  Perhaps I should move on to clocks?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • oldhippy
      Movement inserted from crytal side

      By oldhippy · Posted

      Before putting it back in the case I would fit the hands and use a pin vice on the stem to make sure the hands were in line. 
    • Jon
      Introducing myself

      By Jon · Posted

      Hi there  
    • Jon
      Movement inserted from crytal side

      By Jon · Posted

      Put the movement in a movement holder and it will be supported as you push down on the setting lever post to release the winding stem. Make sure the post is over the shoulder of the movement holder so what you are pressing down on is supported. As a general rule, hold the movement and not the movement holder. Replace the hands when the movement isn't in the case and support the centre jewel (if it has one) on a hard surface or staking block when replacing the hands to stop the jewel accidentally moving or even coming out. A dedicated movement holder with a central jewel support is even better, but pricey
    • JohnR725
      Main spring

      By JohnR725 · Posted

      It might help us if we knew which watch like model number.
    • Zedster
      Movement inserted from crytal side

      By Zedster · Posted

      Hi, guys I have a bit of a predicament and hopefully, somebody can advise. I'm working on a Roamer MST 521 where the movement is extracted from the crystal side. I'm now at the final hurdle where I need to replace the movement back into its case but I'm not sure of the correct procedure. I still need to fit the hands but that's where the problem lies. If I insert the winding stem to test the hands for correct alignment I will need to turn the movement over to release the stem again it's the spring-loaded type and needs a small bit of force to push down but with the hands fitted, I don't think I can do this on a cushion without causing some damage to the hands and that's the last thing I want to do, this watch has already been a love-hate relationship and I'm so close to boxing this one off which I'm counting as my first major project.  The other option is to case the movement then fit the hands and hope everything is okay. I've already broken the original winding stem but managed to find a replacement, the last one in stock, so I'm a bit reluctant to keep removing it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 
×
×
  • Create New...