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How to free a stuck spring on a Hermle clock mechanism
Already Tried: using the key to try to rotate the winding prong -- back and forth (rotating left then right for short movements).
Hi,My name is XXXXX XXXXX it is my pleasure to assist you. Depending on which mainspring is stuck you can try is to remove the pendulum from the hanger it should be quicker than just swinging the pendulum and let the pendulum hanger swing. You cannot over wind a spring driven clock. This is misinformation that has been handed down through the generations. If you wind a clock completely to the end and it does not work; something else such as wear, dirt, or old sticky oil is preventing the clock from running. It is not because you "over wound" or "wound the clock too tight". Next you can try to run your clock manually by moving the minute hand clockwise stopping to let the clock chime this will allow the RIGHT & LEFT mainsprings to unwind do this for a 12 to 24 hour session. What happens is the old oil and along with dirt & dust the mainspring becomes gummy or the oil has dried up. Clock movements are delicate and important features of any clock. When the movements are dirty, it causes the components to move sluggishly or unevenly. This makes the clock run slower and, in some cases, may even keep the clock from working. Cleaning a mantle clock is a process you should undertake once every five years to keep the interior mechanisms working properly and to remove any dirt or buildup trapped inside the clock. If you would like to try and clean the movement this is how I do it in my shop.
For best results it is best you let the clock run all the way down so you can clean in the relaxed mainsprings so disreguard the unwinder that is a tool I use to unwind a fully wound mainspring.
InstructionsThings You'll NeedScrewdriver12mm brushRubbing alcoholWarm waterHairdryerClock oil
Dip a 12mm paintbrush in rubbing alcohol and slowly brush it over the pinion teeth and pivots. The rubbing alcohol completely cleans the clock movements, and then naturally evaporates. Wipe the interior clock movements a second time with the paintbrush and more rubbing alcohol, making sure you clean all areas.
Rub the alcohol-soaked brush over the wheels and pinions. Unwind the springs inside the clock with an un-winder. Wipe down the springs with warm water, knocking loose any dust or debris stuck on these areas. Check the clock movements carefully for any spots you may have missed.
Direct a hairdryer at the back of the clock and turn it to the lowest setting. Slowly move the hairdryer around the back of the clock, using the low heat to dry the clock movements. Once the clock movements are completely dry, turn the hairdryer off.
Apply a thin layer of clock oil to all movements inside the clock, including the pivots. The only areas that don't require oiling are the gears and pinions. Place a small drop of oil on the movements; the clock will spread that around during regular movement.
If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself if you want I can find a clock repair company in your area just let me know your location and by what major cities and I'll find a few in your area. Thanks Mike
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Experience: I've been active in clock repair for 11 years NAWCC member