Tips

[TheFixer]

Evening gents

Just wondered if anyone has advice on how not to lose shock springs etc, I managed to lose a shock spring last night but luckily found a substitute which was not an exact match but does the job very nicely.

Please tell me I am not the only one, dare I ask does it happen to pro's as well?

[rogart63]

Good tweezers are the first tips. Rodico to hold it could also work? Depends on what kind of spring it is? A jeweler picker is a very good tool? Check it out on Cousinsuk or Google it. With silicone tip. Used for picking up the spring and put it in the box or back on the movement. 

Edited June 29, 2016 by rogart63

[matabog]

work under a zipper bag tent 

Or put your entire work table/area in a tent 

...not kidding...losing stuff is the most frustrating ...

[TheFixer]

10 minutes ago, matabog said:

work under a zipper bag tent 

Or put your entire work table/area in a tent 

...not kidding...losing stuff is the most frustrating ...

I have had similar thoughts.

[vinn3]

get  a watchmaker's bench - with glass guard

[anilv]

For me, dropping springs is usually a sign I'm getting tired. I may drop a part once but if it happens again I know the chances of something flying is high. Usually when I persist in spite of the warning signs, I end up on my knees with the small broom and dustpan.

Anil 

[clockboy]

I have found when releasing the spring it,s best to steady with a piece of pegwood so it releases gently without flying away. For the trior style springs I made a removing tool out of peg wood. A hole in the middle & three cut outs so all I have to do is twist & they release without any chance of flying. Or you can purchase these tools but I found my peg wood version works fine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[oldhippy]

Just prepare yourself in spending many hours sweeping the floor on your knees so make sure you have a nice brush handy.  On more serious note good tweezers are a must and try to get in the habit of demagnetizing your work before you start taking it apart this can save a lot of hassle.  

[clockboy]

Oldhippy makes a really good point when dealing with shock springs demagnetising them really makes life a lot easier.

[Cad101]

Ah the old springy boingy things that are attached to watches. I usually work inside a large clear ziplock bag movement, tweezers, driver, pegwood and right hand inside zipped up and rest of me outside then if anything flies I can usually find it I think the longest I've searched for a spring is 2+ hours before giving up and consoling myself with a large vodka.

[TheFixer]

Some good ideas thanks gents.