Build this clock mainspring winder for £30 and save £100s Complete step by step build

[@blackdog1483]

Absolute Genius! Best design I have seen on the internet. Your persistence in overcoming the drill chuck resulted in a much better design. PS - If you think it’s cold where you are, you should experience 40 degrees F below zero here in Alaska that we occasionally have in the winter.

[@treetopspider]

Thank you for that. every so often I come up with a great idea. you should see my wool coning mechanisim on one of my earlier videos. Being of greek origin, anything below 20degrees Celsius if freezing to me 😆

[@Liberallez]

I'm only 4 minutes into this and I'm already joyful over what you're showing!!! I LOVE(!) creative inventionism!!!

[@treetopspider]

Hi and thank you. its a situation where I cant justify the ridiculous price of a buying one so I came up with my own version. It works really well too. Johnny

[@AjitSingh-km4jt]

I admire your spring winder so simple and easy to make and also inexpensive. Thank you very much. You have inspired one more armature clock repairer.

[@LDU2U]

@4:10, yep, that's pretty much what I do, scavenge around the shed until something takes my eye, it's the story of my life as well...LOL. You know what they say mate, the man who has never made a mistake, has never made anything. Fantastic brother.

[@treetopspider]

Hahaha, yeah likewise. I'm a man with a plan but with no plan how to execute my plan. But at least I have a plan. Thanks for the thumbs up

[@munnerlyn3]

bicycle inner tube would work good to hold the barrel. We use that to open up a pocket watch case when I used to work on then. Again great job. Love it.

[@treetopspider]

Thats actually a great idea.

[@mikebaguley9092]

Thank you ever so much for sharing your wonderful ideas 💡 😊 ❤ 🕊and help so many people who don't have a lot of 💰 create something they can be proud of that will last for years to come. Have a great day take care 🕊

[@treetopspider]

Hi Mike Thank you for your kind words. It makes me happy to know that someone has found this video useful. | use my device all the time and am really happy with it Johnny

[@mikebaguley9092]

@@treetopspider you are very welcome, have a awesome evening take care 👍🕊

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

I like the bit in the middle, where it didn't go to plan, but your attitude was, "I *will* find a way around this." I've been in this position many times, and always managed in the end. With this kind of work, you have to have confidence in yourself, and not give up. Being self-employed has a lot to do with this approach, I think.

[@treetopspider]

I tend to go in with a non failure attitude but there are times when I am being really tested. I find that sometimes its good to walk away from a project for a day or so and when I return, its like looking at it through different eyes.

[@Yves95128]

That's really nice. I'm new to clock movement "hobby" and that's a perfect solution for me. The thing that I will do is to get a good quality ratchet, because it's the most important part for safety, I will adapt the rest with what I have in my shop. I'm in California and I just got a nice mantel clock, the movement is British Anvil, but I think that the clock is German, Jughans style, with chrome Bauhaus numbers, It's veneered in Mahogany and a bit of Rosewood, I paid $13 for it at the flee market, I love it, it needs a clean-up of the movement (it works but stops), I can use an ultrasonic cleaner @ work. Thank you for the video.

[@treetopspider]

For not a lot of money you can find some really lovely clocks. Theyre not that difficult to take apart and put back together. Get yourself some clock oil and once you have cleaned all the bits in an ultrasonic, lightly oil the pinions and I bet you it'll run without stopping. Good Luck Johnny

[@Yves95128]

@@treetopspider Thank you, Johnny. I'm a little nervous to put it apart, I'm worried about it not working at all when back together, I will start with an assembled "bath" and oiling and see where it goes, if it doesn't fix it, I will build your tool and disassemble the clock. Regards, Yves.

[@charlesfick729]

lol, you’re just me. That’s exactly how I work, I make things as I go. Great video, thank you

[@treetopspider]

Where would the world be if not for people like us huh? 🤣

[@NRReaper]

Cracking video, loved the way you problem solved the chuck.

[@treetopspider]

Thank you. It stressed me out until I came up with a solution Johnny

[@nigelnightmare4160]

Nicely done. I do like the tube spanner being used for the let down bits (Brilliant)!

[@treetopspider]

Thank you, I surprise myself sometimes 😄

[@rogers531]

I am watching this the second time to day. The I saw your face , I'm still laughing at your innocence but don't undersell your self. Your skills are still brilliant. Last time I saw you you were painting up and finishing clocks. Wonder full.

[@treetopspider]

Hahaha brilliant comment. Thank you

[@munnerlyn3]

Great job. I just might have to make one. Thanks for posting this.

[@treetopspider]

Ah, brilliant. I love the idea of people making this. Thank you

[@BaseballOkemos]

Great video, I am going to give it a shot myself.

[@totobill22]

C'est franchement ce que j'ai vu de meilleur sur le sujet ! Bravo pour cette adaptation à la place du mandrin. Je m'étais résolu à en fabriquer un, mais je ne savais pas vraiment ce que je voulais, vous m'avez inspiré, merci Monsieur !

[@treetopspider]

Je suis très heureux que vous ayez apprécié la vidéo. J'aime chaque fois que j'inspire quelqu'un Johnny

[@G3sgofast]

What can I add… but brilliant! My designs often go through many revisions. (Errors, screw ups and the like) it’s nice to know I’m not alone!! Thanks!

[@garyruxton5226]

I like it. Sturdy and cheap. I'm starting to collect tools so I can tackle my 6 silent clocks. This is practically a professional piece. A coat of finish and momma may let in the house if you tell her it's an apple peeler😂

[@treetopspider]

Hahaha I recon with a few modifications I could probably get it to peel both apples and potatoes 🤣

[@djhscorp]

Nice job. Thanks for sharing.

[@treetopspider]

Thank you. I hope I made it clear enough so that anyone can build one

[@dwightvanhoy6806]

Bravo!!!!! I enjoyed this video to the very end!!!!!!!! I will attempt this ASAP! Thanks for such a "this will eventually turn out"attitude! You are a great instructor and an inspiration to a beginner such as myself! I will search out your other videos and look forward to future ones! Much Appreciation!!!!

[@treetopspider]

Hi Dwight Nothing makes me happier than reading comments like this. I hope you manage to build it without a problem. Good Luck Johnny

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Johnny, The mark two is really good... I like that you've not used the chuck and gone with the let-down tool option... A very good design... Take care. Paul,,

[@treetopspider]

Hi Paul. Thank you. I got there in the end

[@rogers531]

By the way you will remember me im from the Cotswold hills. Nympsfield to be exact. Near Essex. Take care old friend. Oh i had to order a spring today. 45POUNDS AND 600 PONDS FOR A NEW MAIN SPRING WINDER.

[@treetopspider]

I cant place you John, You'll have to remind me. £600 for a mainspring winder? Thats so expensive. But then its a tool for life. I'm too stingy to go out and buy one, thats why I made my own hahah

[@BradfordNeedham]

Safety First, folks: remember to remove loose clothing, such as a scarf, before working on power equipment, and to always wear safety glasses. Thanks for the detailed video, along with the "oops, that didn't work" detour - very instructive!

[@treetopspider]

Thanks Bradford. There seem to be quite a lot of oops that didnt work in my videos hahaha Johnny

[@chieft3357]

Very good job. All the best to y'a.

[@treetopspider]

Thank you

[@Captianchilly]

Great helpful video…thanks so much. Many of us empathise with Christmas Day in the workshop! I’ve just made and used the winder for the first time…..brilliant! Mine is pretty much the same as yours….the only additional thing I did was to screw a length of batten under the baseboard which means the winder clamps into one of my woodwork vices in my bench. The only difference is that ….an excuse for getting out the flame thrower!….I bent the main 10mm threaded rod to form the winder handle….easy and works well. But very good indeed….I’m grateful for the steer!

[@treetopspider]

Thats really good to hear, youve made me happy. These wooden winders can do a job just as good as the very expensive ones plus theres the pride in making something from scratch. My first prototype had a crank handle. it worked fine, I just wanted to try out something new. Who knows, one day I might try to make an electric one 😆 Johnny

[@djhscorp]

Nice job.

[@TheDagda1000]

Great design - loved all the problem-solving. I'm now looking for some designs for various size spring holders - the commercial types cost silly money. I thinking maybe copper piping of suitable sizes might do the trick.

[@ziggy6151]

I did think about using copper tubing but was a bit worried about whether it would be strong enough

[@TheDagda1000]

@@ziggy6151 I'm going to try it out soon with a 28mm coupler. I'll let you know how I get on.

[@squidben5780]

Nice video wil try to do something similar !!! Thanks

[@johnbridges6669]

Thanks for the ideas I built one almost the same and it works a treat not bad for a Kent boy 😅😊😊 no chuck though used your box spanner idea I would send a photo of it if I could find out how to do it cheers

[@treetopspider]

Hi John, well done. I would love to see how it turned out. Unfortunately, I don't know of a way to let you have my email privately via KZbin. Shame that private messaging isn't an option here. Coincidently, I went to school with someone who had the same name as you. But that was in East London in the 70's. A long way from Kent 😄 All the best Johnny

[@ronald47able]

Thanks mate will definitely have a go at this

[@treetopspider]

Glad you liked it. You might even be able to better it. let me know how you get on Johnny

[@راجحالدوسري-ل3ش]

شكرا..شكرا..تحياتي من بغداد عراق..

[@treetopspider]

من دواعي سروري. أنا سعيد لأنك استمتعت بالفيديو Johnny

[@lazy2day2003]

Nice work! Like the Tinkertoy type knobs. I saw the chuck problem before you did and was rooting for you to figure out a solution.

[@treetopspider]

Thank you Jaqui, typically I never really plan my projects properly before I set out. Perseverance is a virtue which I am not always in possession of. But in this case, I managed to pull through. Johnny

[@ScootieXP]

I will build one now myself as well.

[@lafamillecarrington]

I was just about to look on Amazon for a chuck - then you mention that your original one was from an old hand drill! Whoo! I have a couple of those from my Dad's workshop. Now I'm wondering if I can make something from a ratchet hand brace drill ...

[@treetopspider]

Hahahah brilliant 😅

[@billtrefts9238]

Thank you for the video. I like your wooden knows for the clamp. Might I suggest using a T-nut insert rather than pressed in nuts? The ratchet spanner is great. I may do that to mine. I use an Irwin tap holder - #4 minimum to 1/4" maximum to grip the arbor. It is made to use with a 3/8" extension and ratchet. Now, go appease the little lady and get warmed up! May I suggest a cup of hot chocolate? 🎅

[@treetopspider]

Hahaha, Ive got to be a good boy for the rest of the holiday season. Thanks for the advice. My main problem is that I never really know what's out there with regard to ironmongery ( I don't know what a T nut insert is) I'm constantly learning, which is why I'm so appreciative of the comments and advice. Off to google T-nut insert now 🙂 Johnny

[@treetopspider]

I just google the inserts. I did have those. I used them underneath the base to hold the two threaded rods for the clamps. For some reason it didnt occur to me to use those for the clamp knobs

[@TimmSeaton]

I absolutely love your presentation on the main spring winder. I have converted your dimensions into inches since I live in California and most of the materials here are in inches. Can you suggest what sizes of mainspring capture sleeves I should fabricate? I will be disassembling my 1919 Junghans mantle clock movement and plan to fabricate a mainspring capture sleeve/can for the time and chime springs and I'm not sure what I should start with for diameters of raw material. Thanks so much for your presentation and for braving the freezing cold temperatures you experience in the winter there. Timm

[@treetopspider]

Hi Timm Thank you for your kind comment. Without going back out into my cold workshop, I seem to remember 30mm as a dimension. Although I have since butchered a few different items and made a few sizes according to my needs. Ideally if you have clear access to the mainspring case and take a measurement minus the thickness of the wall. I always wondered if there was a way to make an adjustable spring capture. I'm sure there must be a way. Best of luck Johnny

[@ryanchan3722]

Great video! Really love the innovative mind you have, truly inspiring. I'm not sure if you have a clock testing rack but it would be great if you did. Or perhaps you could make one? Hmm..

[@f4dphantomII]

I recommend you trim the threaded rod that protruded through your handle. If you don't, sometime you WILL rake a knuckle across it and it will be painful!

[@Johnmiller-gm9lm]

Thank you

[@grottonisred6541]

After an extensive cost evacuation meeting could the Mark 3 be modified to incorporate only one ratchet anti rotation bar? It's a great idea for someone who only wants to fit a couple of new springs inti clocks he has inherited...👍

[@treetopspider]

I havent thought about that. I am sure there are improvements that could be made for a MK3. Maybe one day I might decide to build another version

[@inssan6550]

You remind me of Andy Linden

[@treetopspider]

Hahahah I didnt know who that was so I googled him.

[@jamesesenwein5152]

Great video! Curious as to how long the bolts are that are holding the barrel clamp in place?

[@johnholley7277]

excellent video!. where can I buy the barrel spring retainers sleeves?

[@treetopspider]

I made mine out of random bits of tube. I'm sure they can be bought from somewhere like Walsh, or cousins but I think they'd be expensive

[@munnerlyn3]

You never did put a pin in the chuck to prevent it from rotating.

[@getclocked2701]

Hi Johnny, it turned out fine in the end! Gotta say, it is great to see someone who thinks the same way as you do yourself…. I’m trying to cobble something together here…currently using bits and pieces I’m finding in the garage and in my late Dad’s old workshop. The shaft I have albeit threaded at each end is smooth in the middle…how did you attach that ratchet spanner to your first winder? I was thinking of welding it but it’ll knacker the ratchet if I’m not VERY neat 😬 loctite was another option but I don’t want to rely solely on that. Appreciate your thoughts. Cheers…Graeme P.s…I stuck a first video up if you fancy a laugh! My attempt at blacking marble with shoe polish 😅

[@treetopspider]

Hi Graeme I really love putting things together from odds and ends. Theres a great sense of satisfaction and achievement when I actually succeed. On my first clock winder I put a single little blob of weld to hold the ratchet in place which worked very well. I'm heading over to your channel now to see how you got along :-)

[@tonydalton6756]

You need a screw cutting lathe on your Christmas list. You'd of turned that M10 down in no time.

[@treetopspider]

Ive got a tiny Unimat lathe which is very handy, albeit limiting. I'd love a full size one with of course the screw cutting attachments.

[@PassingBy]

You need to add on a clicker to stop the winder bouncing back.

[@treetopspider]

There is one. Its the ratchet spanner thats on the shaft

[@rogersmith7764]

Great to see your efforts, warts and all, I really enjoy enjoy your videos. Where did you get your let down tool?

[@treetopspider]

Thanks Roger, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I try to keep my videos as honest as possible rather than making out I'm some sort of a clever clogs hahaha. I use a company called cousins www.cousinsuk.com/ They have literally everything clock and watch related. Johnny

[@grahamdolman2376]

Just love the relaxed and informative video. Brand new to clock repair and starting a course in three weeks and think this is a critical tool. Have gathered all the bits but like some others I just can't see how to get my m10 ratchet to be fixed to the threaded rod. Presumably the nuts you use either side are just preventing any horizontal movement of the ratchet along the rod so weakening the join of the inner piece of ratchet to rod? I can glue and solder (badly!) but not weld Will I be likely to get a strong enough join do you think? Maybe some ptf tape around the rod thread where the ratchet will be might help? I'm looking forward to trying!

[@treetopspider]

Hi Graham. The 2 nuts I use either side of the ratchet are to lock it into place. On my first attempt at this tool I welded it but thats not needed. I used some thread locking glue to stop the nuts coming undone but spring washers would work just as well or even Nylock nuts. Where will you be going for your clock repair course? Johnny

[@grahamdolman2376]

@@treetopspider Sorry for delayed response,offline. It will be in Sevenoaks, Kent and actually is listed as not for beginners! My friend and I have been buying a few single trains at auctions and stripping them down and re building with the aid of google and books! The course is more of a 'guided advice' to any problems you might have with a damaged clock

[@billyg736]

God loves a trier lol

[@treetopspider]

I'm definitely a trier, if nothing else :-)

[@mikephillips2861]

Really enjoyed your great video and plan to have a go at making your mk2 its brilliant. I have been looking for a set of spring holders - did you make your own or can you advise where to obtain them - many thanks.

[@treetopspider]

HI Mike, I'm happy you enjoyed the video. Basically I scoured my workshop for anything that was cylindrical. The main spring holder was made an old aluminium torch case. When I recently needed a larger one, I cut 50mm off the bottom of our garden umbrella (much to my wife's disapproval) then simply cut a slot about the width of an average spring, roughly about 30mm. I overlooked showing that in my video. Johnny

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

@@treetopspider That's what I wanted to know. Now, I, too, will be souring the workshop and the garden shed ...

[@petersmith9242]

Having built a copy of your test stand (works great),I'm thinking of upgrading my mainspring winder. A quick question. I'm trying to visualize how your ratchet spanner (11) grips your 10mm threaded rod. I can understand how it grips your (10)spanner but not your (11). Maybe I'm having a senior moment! Keep up your great clock videos. They are most helpful.

[@treetopspider]

Hi Peter, If you look closely, (20.36) you will see that I have sandwiched the ratchet between two nuts. I used a little Loctite on the threads to stop the nuts loosening off but you could equally just use spring washers to keep everything nice and tight Johnny

[@deanullerich1622]

Do you have another mainspring holder for American style "Loop end" mainsprings?

[@treetopspider]

Hi Dean No sorry I dont have one for one of those Johnny

[@colin8544]

Hi Jonny could you tell me where you got your mainspring retaining sleeves please I have some that are a bit chunky and don't sit nicely in the barrel

[@treetopspider]

Hi Colin. I made one out of an old torch I wasnt using and another I made from cutting the end off a garden umbrella. I basically got invetive and looked for anything that was tubular at the size needed. I did orginally think of making the out of copper pipe but wasnt sure if it could withstand the pressure of a wound up spring

[@colin8544]

Thanks Jonny I might start having a look around the house for ideas , saves money . Thanks for your videos they have been most useful . I have just started to teach myself clock repairing and have found some great help on you tube . Keep it up

[@glyndavies5650]

Just about finished copy of your Mark2 version. Great! Only problem is finding or making suitable tube spring holders. Ring holders are are too big or too thick. Any DIY tube off-cut source suggestions & dimensions?

[@treetopspider]

Well done Glyn, I'm quite proud😁 For my first spring holder I cut up an old alluminium torch I had. the second one was a bit off the garden umbrella. You could try one of those poles that is used to make hanging space inside a wardrobe. Heres something Ive seen on Amazon www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Retail-Solution-Ltd-WARDROBE/dp/B00VD0UR72/ref=sr_1_89?crid=20H7KCHTTKILU&keywords=wardrobe+pole&qid=1671225837&sprefix=wardrobe+pole%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-89 Johnny

[@glyndavies5650]

Thanks J. I used M10 bar. Friend drilled 4 mm holes. Used two 4mm bolts to fix box spanner chuck. Your suggestions helped a lot. Garden umbrella pole perfect. I’ve not been beaten up yet! Used old Sharpie caps for bearings. Perfect. Thanks for the inspiration. Glyn

[@Domingo-Ruiz]

Many thanks I am a simple user with 4 clocks. In two the springs have been damaged and I wanted to fix it, but I need that machine: I don't have the tools to make it: Would it be possible to buy one from you? I'm in Spain. I just need it for these clocks and to keep two others. I have disassembled the barrels, but it gives me a lot of respect to touch the main spring without that machine, I know it is dangerous. Is it possible to make one for me? Of course you put the price that you think is fair. I have consulted with several watchmakers and the budget of a single clock ; changing spring, cleaning and oiling is more than 160 euros + 25 for each real spring. Too much money for clocks that I bought for 250 euros on ebay. Thanks again. Edit: I need it now: ¿please can you tell me something about? Reagards

[@treetopspider]

Hi Dom, contact me on this email address [e-mail]

[@kwacz]

I just built one of these but found out it is useless. My winding arbor is on the solid side of the barrel. The cap pops off on the side opposite to the winding arbor so after I capture the spring i have no way to remove the spring from the collar I captured it in. (capture spring from side of barrel opposite of the winding arbor.) Im at a loss on what to do.

[@treetopspider]

Sorry to hear that. Ive not come across a barrel with the winding arbor on the solid side. I wouldnt know what to do under those circumstances. The winder works perfectly with the standard barrels. I mainly restore French clocks where the cap is on the same side as the barrel

[@kwacz]

@@treetopspider i figured it out. Since there are no other videos that i could find i will let you know what i did. Its an oddball indeed. After capturing the spring, i removed my bareel holding fixture and replaced it with another fixture that holds a bolt with a hole the size of the arbor end opposite the winding key. I then was able to wind the spring enough to slide the collar off the spring and the bolt held the collar and supported the arbor. After unwinding spring i was able to remove spring from winding arbor. Now i have have an attachment for my winder for these oddballs.

[@williammiller2750]

Excellent job!!!! Where did you get your spring captures? Are they a commercial item or did you make those as well?

[@treetopspider]

Hi william. I made my own captures. The first one I made I cut up an old battery torch and used the barrel. The second one I needed was larger, so hunting around, the garden umbrella caught my eye so I stole an inch off the bottom of that 😂