Hairspring/balance Cleaning

[perpetual92]

Folks, I'm running the mainplate with the balance/cock installed thru some Zenith cleaning/rinse.  I do have some "One Dip" on hand to clean the cap jewels and was thinking that since I will have to remove the balance to assemble the movement I will just dunk the whole balance/hairspring/cock in this cleaner for a second or two.  Then carefully dry with a hand pump blower.

 

Is the One Dip safe on the roller jewel ? Just dont want the solution to loosen it in anyway. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[oldhippy]

Yes its perfectly safe. I always used ronsonol lighter fluid.

[bobm12]

Sure, Perpetual, just dip them once! :)  Just kidding!

 

It is perfectly OK, I've done it a few times. I also use L&R extra fine and my ultrasonic machine for most everything. In the case of the balance wheel, after I clean the main plate, I attach said balance to it and cycle it by itself. For the cap jewels and such, I use ronsonol and agitate the fluid, gently, with the blower. Note that before doing anything, my first step is peg the jewels where applicable.

 

Hope it helps, Cheers,

 

Bob