Handmade Watchmaker’s Probe

[TimepieceTinkerer]

Hi everyone
Sharing a little something I built recently — a handmade probe for delicate tasks like removing micro gaskets, shock springs, checking wheels in movement, and similar fiddly operations.

I forged it from a needle, heated until red-hot and bent to a ≈90° angle, then quenched in oil to harden and reduce future rust. The handle is crafted from wood repurposed from a leather tool, and I used epoxy to seat the needle securely.

Simple, but solid. No flex, no nonsense, and honestly better than most overpriced tools I’ve seen on the market — especially the ones made from cheap materials. I’d rate it a 9/10, and I might refine it even more next round.

I call it... "The Holy Hook"
Would love to hear thoughts.

 

[mbwatch]

Nice! If it is still in the fully hardened state, it could be brittle. I suppose you could further temper it, heat again gently to about 250C-260C and quench in water to prevent it from breaking if you drop it or get it stuck inside a crown tube.

[mikepilk]

I have a similar tool - just an old oiler with the tip flattened and bent over 90°.  I leave the tip quite soft so I can bent it as needed.

[MariusJacob]

I also have a homemade "holy hook". I just use it to remove crown gaskets, I never thought of other uses, but I guess it must be more versatile than I thought. 

I never thought of installing a wooden handle, I just hold it with a Pin Vice, but after seeing yours I will obviously upgrade it with a handle. 

Thanks for the information.