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Replacing Mainsprings in American Antique Clocks

By on March 14, 2009

Most spring driven American antique clocks are overpowered (they have springs that are stronger than necessary). Even at age 100 years (give or take) the mainsprings are almost always strong enough to operate the clock reliably, assuming that the clock has been repaired properly, including POLISHING THE PIVOTS and installing bushings.

A spring should be replaced only if it is damaged (cracked or rusty). Some of the very old American springs (for instance from the 1850′s – 1860′s) are quite rough, yet they have operated the clock for all these years, and there is no reason to doubt that they will continue to operate the clock well. Yes, an old spring could break at any time, BUT SO COULD A NEW SPRING! I leave the original spring in the clock unless it is damaged. I install a weaker spring if the existing one is too strong.

French clocks are delicate, yet very efficient in operation, and I have not often experienced mainsprings that are too weak. The usual problem with French clock mainsprings is a torn hole in the outer end. A new hole should be made in the end, unless the spring is too short from having this operation done too many times.

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Related posts:

  1. Mainsprings for American 8 Day Clocks
  2. Bushing American Antique Clocks
  3. Things a Clock Repair Shop Should Not Do to Antique Clocks
  4. Things to check when repairing an antique American clock movement
  5. Putting an American Antique Clock in Beat

4 Responses to “Replacing Mainsprings in American Antique Clocks”

  1. comment number 1 by: Sharon

    I have a clock of a “Bobbing Doll” in a swing. Patent says Dec. 14, 1866. I belive it may have been made by the Ansonia Clock Co. of NY but am not certain. I can find no information on the clock itself. I believe it to have a “left-hand” spring (or so I have been told) which is probably broke or wound too tight. Photo can be furnished upon request. Thanks for any informaiton on this clock.

  2. comment number 2 by: Matthias Hesseler

    1933 Junghans wallclock neets 1 mainspring and 1 cheimer in 2″ barrls 20 mmm wide 0,44 mmm thick and 60 ” long ,no loop even if there longer or shurter or 18 or 19 mm wide thickness can be
    more or less OK appricate an anwer truly M Hesseler member NAWCC

  3. comment number 3 by: Bill

    You might try Timesavers:

    http://timesavers.com/

    They have an excellent selection of mainsprings.

  4. comment number 4 by: Bill

    The book “Ansonia Clocks” by Tran Duy Ly has photos of almost every Ansonia cloock made, and gives information about your clock.

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