Loose cannon pinion

[Lc130]

Hi  

I'm a beginner. I finally got my 11DP reassembled and looking great on the timer.  Than I noticed the hands not moving.  In the future, is there a test I can do to determine if the pinion is tight enough.  Is the recommended tool for tightening the Bergeon 4733?

Thank you

Charlie

[watchweasol]

Hi Charlie   thats an expensive tool some members advocate using large size nail clippers with blunted (dulled) jaws.  put the pinnon on a bit of tapered brass wire and slightly nip up the pinion, trying the fit after each nip.          Cheers

[JohnR725]

unfortunately there isn't any standard test procedure other then setting the hands and seeing how tight it feels. Sometimes when you're putting the hands-on though if you push on them gently and they move effortlessly that's not a good sign. Or when you're setting the watch if you feel nearly zero force required to move the hands that's not a good sign either. Just as when you're setting the hands it feels like you're going to break something that's also a bad of being too tight. But a lot of it just depends upon the particular watch as to whether it's going to be acceptable or not.

[Nucejoe]

I have this little test of my own as follows, however, no standard

Try turning the hands anti-clock whilst stem is in set position, if that stops the movement or causes an amplitude drop, it is too tight, in which case you will see amplitude picks up if you turn the hands clockwise.

I don't jump to broaching as soon as seeing overtightened signs, instead lube the canon pinon which more often than not eases excessive friction down, turn hands clockwise couple 24hrs round the clock after lubing to see how effective the trick has been.

I do all these checking and testing before and during disassembly.

 

[Lc130]

Thank you.  I also have a donor 11DP.  That cannon pinion snaps in place but is loose on the other 11DP.  I would think that this means the center wheel post is worn.  I could swap the donor center wheel in.  But as a beginner, I run the risk of breaking something and I really like this 70's diver style.  I tried crimping the pinion with nail clippers after inserting a broken oiler in the pinion.  The crimp is too much and now won't fit over the post.  I have a 1.14 broach and it's too big to fit.  Any suggestions?

[canthus]

You may be interested in the tool I made from nail clippers.  Do a search on the 'tools' part of the forum for 'Cannon Pinion Tightening Tool' by 'canthus' on 24Jan2020.  Would insert a link here but don't know how to !! 

I have used it several times, not perfect but certainly gives more control over amount of nip. Use an eyeglass to check that the jaws sit in the correct place before nipping.

[Lc130]

59 minutes ago, canthus said:

You may be interested in the tool I made from nail clippers.  Do a search on the 'tools' part of the forum for 'Cannon Pinion Tightening Tool' by 'canthus' on 24Jan2020.  Would insert a link here but don't know how to !! 

I have used it several times, not perfect but certainly gives more control over amount of nip. Use an eyeglass to check that the jaws sit in the correct place before nipping.

Looks very useful.  I'm going to attempt to recreate.