ETA Setting Lever Installation Tricks

[Teeroy]

Hello. I’m working on an ETA 2451 (completed disassembly, replaced broken mainspring, lubrication, reassembly).

I have most everything out back together, but I’m finding aligning and getting the setting lever screw started to be a bear. I’ve tried placing it then putting a finger on top, then lifting it and turning the screw in the other side, using a piece of rodico across it, placing it in a mini vice holding the lever with a piece of peg wood while trying to turn the screw, etc.)

every time I manage to push the lever off of the screw, or have it too crooked to start the threads, or slip while holding it. 
 

Any other tricks to holding the tiny thing in place securely and flat so that I can line up the threads to get them started? I think I am on attempt 65 or so. It would seem the professionals would have some little jig or something to do this with.

[Knebo]

Hi @Teeroy,

haha, yes, I think there's a "trick" that you're missing. I think you're trying to install the screw too early..

Finish the keyless works from the dial side first. Including the setting lever spring. The latter will hold down the setting lever sufficiently to then turn around the movement and put that screw in with no problems. But be very gentle with the first turns of the screw (almost no downward pressure) -- otherwise you may damage the setting lever spring.

 

Edited February 17 by Knebo

[mikepilk]

I always find this a problem too @Teeroy. I'd never considered using your "trick" @Knebo. I'll give it a go next time.

[RichardHarris123]

For holding the lever in place on an English lever, 3/4 plate movement, a clip is made from an old mainspring.  Maybe this idea would work here. 

[Teeroy]

Thanks, all. I’ll have to give it a try. My first attempts were with all of the other keyless works parts in, but I can try again.

The mainspring was brittle, so I don’t have a piece to use as a clip, but I may be able to find something else.

The setting lever is a replacement…the original decided to reach orbit somewhere. I may just get another one on the theory the threads are boogered on the one I got. 

[Knebo]

54 minutes ago, Teeroy said:

may just get another one on the theory the threads are boogered on the one I got. 

Have your tried to put the screw in the setting lever outside the movement? Just the two parts. To test that they fit into each other at all. 

14 hours ago, Teeroy said:

have it too crooked to start the threads

This also makes me wonder. Does the shaft of your setting lever fit snuggly in its hole in the mainplate? It should. If not, maybe you really have the wrong piece. 

Edited February 17 by Knebo

[Teeroy]

Well, silly me. I ran through what I ordered for the setting lever, and while I ordered the one for the 2451, what I got was the one for a 2540. So wrong lever.

 

No wonder the screw didn’t fit.
 

Just ordered the correct one.

[Knebo]

50 minutes ago, Teeroy said:

Well, silly me. I ran through what I ordered for the setting lever, and while I ordered the one for the 2451, what I got was the one for a 2540. So wrong lever.

 

No wonder the screw didn’t fit.
 

Just ordered the correct one.

Haha, poor you