Balance truing tool improvisation

[steve1811uk]

Hi, I think that I got this for a good price £20 only. I had to improvise as it has a bit missing. What do you think? Will the paper clip work? I'm planning on sharpening the end of the clip into a more defined point. Any idea why the tool has two sides, is that for different pivot sizes?

[nickelsilver]

The paperclip will work fine, the original part is only used as a visual reference so no real difference. There are many versions of these, usually one side will have female cones with holes going rather deep in the center of the cone, then they are cross drilled. This allows the tool to hold a balance by the conical portion of the pivot, which is strong, and in the event a pivot does break, it can fall out either on its own or be pushed up to the cross drilled part. The other side will often just be simple female cones, but can also be a different size of the cone/drill/cross drill type. Sometimes they are actually male cones. On yours I don't see any cross drilling, but that shouldn't be an issue.

[steve1811uk]

Thanks for the reply. The conical side has very tiny holes and is cross drilled. I assume this side is for finer pivots. The other side, non conical is not cross drilled and has larger holes, I assume for larger pivots. Steve.

[nickelsilver]

Yes, usually the larger side or simple cones are for train wheels where there is a low risk of breakage (if you are bending correctly haha).

[clockboy]

A bit crude but it should work. PS I don’t think Bergeron will be after the patient thou.

[jdrichard]

You need to get out your files and cutters and make one that’s exactly like the original. This is what I would do…plus it will give you a good reason to buy more tools:)

[LittleWatchShop]

39 minutes ago, jdrichard said:

You need to get out your files and cutters and make one that’s exactly like the original.

You are an electrical engineer, not mechanical...BUT...you ARE an engineer...you think like one regardless of the discipline.  I agree...it would be very gratifying to make the replacement part.  I think that is what I would do (also an EE).

Sometimes it is hard to know what is more gratifying...fixing a watch...or making the thing that helps me fix a watch.

[steve1811uk]

Thanks guys, I'm also an electronics engineer by the way. If I can find or buy some suitable steel then I will give that a go. I don't have much in the way of tools but I should be able to hand make something a bit sturdier than a paper clip

[LittleWatchShop]

2 hours ago, steve1811uk said:

If I can find or buy some suitable steel

Places to look: old printer (inkjet or laserjet), cassette deck...

I think a dremel tool and a set of precision files (from Home Depot) is all you will need.

[jdrichard]

13 hours ago, LittleWatchShop said:

You are an electrical engineer, not mechanical...BUT...you ARE an engineer...you think like one regardless of the discipline.  I agree...it would be very gratifying to make the replacement part.  I think that is what I would do (also an EE).

Sometimes it is hard to know what is more gratifying...fixing a watch...or making the thing that helps me fix a watch.

Making tools is a NO FAIL adventure usually.

[Razz]

I think you will want to have more than a paper clip if you actually have to adjust your balance.  I recently acquired this one for about $21.50.

[steve1811uk]

On 1/29/2024 at 6:04 AM, Razz said:

I think you will want to have more than a paper clip if you actually have to adjust your balance.  I recently acquired this one for about $21.50.

Nice tool. Paper clip sharpened to a point has worked very well thanks on a few occasions.