Toolkit for Mending Timepieces
In the world of clock repair, precision and accuracy are paramount, especially when it comes to antique and vintage clocks. These delicate mechanisms require careful handling and the right tools to preserve their value and function. Here's a guide to the essential tools for advanced clock repair.
The Bergeon Bushing Tool Kit
The Bergeon Bushing Tool kit is a must-have for any serious clock repair enthusiast. This Swiss-made tool includes driving punches, centering bit, stakes, and reamers, making it perfect for bushing plates of various sizes. The bushing kit #5488, which is necessary to use the Bergeon Bushing Machine, has been ordered from *Perrins***.
The Ollie Baker Mainspring Winder
The Ollie Baker Mainspring Winder is another robust and well-machined tool that is expected to provide years of service. This tool enables the inspection, cleaning, and re-installation of barreled or open springs on all clocks being serviced. The winder comes with an assortment of collars for every size of mainspring, ensuring a secure fit.
The Mainspring Barrel and Spring
The mainspring barrel is a cylindrical component found in spring-driven clocks. The mainspring, a tightly coiled strip of metal, stores potential energy within the barrel. The right tools minimize the risk of damage when repairing or replacing the mainspring.
Safely Handling Mainsprings
A mainspring winder is a crucial specialized tool that allows the safe winding and unwinding of mainsprings during replacement or repair, significantly reducing the risk of injury or damage. Using mainspring restraining clamps is necessary to safely disassemble a clock with an open mainspring. Four-piece sets of mainspring restraining clamps are available from all clock suppliers to accommodate various mainspring sizes.
The Bergeon Bushing Machine
For repairing and replacing bushings—small bush-shaped bearings used in clock movements—a bushing machine is essential. This tool accurately drills out worn pivot holes and inserts new bushings to restore proper fit and function of wheel arbors. Although not detailed explicitly, a bushing machine typically works with various sized cutters and reamers to match specific bushing dimensions needed for the clock movement.
Additional Helpful Tools
Starting with these tools allows careful disassembly, cleaning, bushing replacement, mainspring service, lubrication, and precision reassembly. Other helpful tools for advanced repair work often include a set of clock hand removers and other wheel train servicing tools for disassembly, ultrasonic cleaners and brushes for cleaning clock parts, lubricants and applicators for movement servicing, and specialized pullers and setting tools for removing and adjusting gears and pinions.
Preserving Function and Historical Value
Using these tools allows for careful disassembly, cleaning, bushing replacement, mainspring service, lubrication, and precision reassembly, preserving the clock's function and historical value.
In Summary
The key advanced tools beyond basic screwdrivers and tweezers are:
- Mainspring winder for safe handling of mainsprings
- Bushing machine for repairing pivot holes and installing bushings
- Precision screwdrivers, tweezers, and fine pliers for detailed work
- Magnifiers for close inspection
These tools form the foundation for proficient and safe advanced clock repair.
Vintage clocks in one's home-and-garden décor can benefit from a professional clock repair, especially with the precision and accuracy that the Bergeon Bushing Tool Kit offers, making it perfect for restoring the delicate mechanisms inside such vintage clocks. To further ensure the lifestyle and longevity of these valuable timepieces, reasons such as the safe handling of mainsprings using an Ollie Baker Mainspring Winder becomes essential, allowing for proper cleaning, repair, or replacement of these components.
