How to Shape Tweezers and Screwdrivers for Watchmaking. Episode 2 in Watch Repair and Service.

[@paulschumacker9901]

These are some of the best tutorials on watchmaking on KZbin. That’s saying a lot, because there are LOTS of good videos. But yours are concise and very well and presented, so in 20 minutes I learn more than another that runs for more than an hour! I hope yours rise to the level of success that the best have achieved, because I think they are in that league. Bravo!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Paul. That makes all the work worthwhile.

[@jcfp1322]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@m.d.6649]

Should have watched this before even starting. Most get in to the disassembly straight away but getting the Tools ready first and especially the tweezers with the least amount of pressure possible is so much more important, thank you very much

[@watchrepairtutorials]

you're very welcome.

[@justinkwirant-ct1hi]

My 95 year old grandfather was a career watchmaker. He recently passed and I inherited a lifetime of watch repair tools of the trade. EVERYTHING lol. I’m going to start as a hobby and hopefully progress from there. Thanks for the videos!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for sharing Justin. It sounds like you have a pretty good head start

[@jupa7166]

Man, this channel is criminally underrated. Thanks a lot for knowledge!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey man, just remember, you are one of the first. Well get there. Just wait till we get through all the basic stuff and get to the real work.

[@jupa7166]

Yeah, I bet! But the value is already tremendous for us mere mortals (got courage to try and one chinese cheap training watch with ruined hairspring works! Now learning how to do stuff properly.)

[@AladinoDebert]

Man, as a (super) amateur, this series is FANTASTIC! Thank you so much Alex for putting the time into creating the videos. Much appreciated!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You're very welcome Aladino

[@kevinrblodgett]

Good stuff! Thanks for the write-up as well. Narration is a bit on the quiet side but still clear.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks man. Working to fix sound issues.

[@Davidg368]

This channel is going to grow fast thank you for doing these videos

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Stay tuned. Thanks for the support.

[@stevstro4498]

I'm so glad I happened upon your videos Alex as I'm about to start my post-retirement watchmaking hobby! I'd have likely given up in frustration without your training & bonus tips. Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey man, Never to late to jump in. Welcome aboard. 👍

[@Serious_Basslines]

Wonderful...teaching us all respect our equipment, is setting us for the right mindset to produce quality work..👏🏾

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It all starts with the basics and then you build your skills from there. Thanks for the support.

[@Subeffulgent]

I like the technique for making the tweezers closed that's pretty clever

[@Enygma89]

I have to be honest and say this with all respect: when you said you're in America and mentioned 100th or1000th of a millimeter I was overjoyed 🤩🤣 Thank you again for a great video 👌🏼

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I remember when I was a kid the American school system decided that we were going to switch over to the metric system. That test lasted one year.😂

[@Enygma89]

@@watchrepairtutorials Oh heck 😂That must've been fun.. one can only assume for some it was an eye opener but it's apparent for the majority it was too much hassle as you say it didn't last.. my schooling also went through a couple of curriculum changes - I don't recall what they were exactly but therein maybe lay the problem in addition to my already squirrel brain Cheers, and again thank you 👍🏼

[@amandagelien9612]

where were you 15 years ago-learned that the hard way😆

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Amanda, I think you are the first women to join my channel. I’m happy you are here. We often forget there are many talented “Women with Loupes” 😊

[@raychapman6810]

This inspired me to look closely at my set of tweezers, after my first attempt at picking up a jewel launched it into orbit into some far away universe... Sure enough all of the tips were uneven. I followed your instructions and now they are probably far more capable to successfully pick up a jewel than I am at this point as a beginner! This is a fantastic series; thank you!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you Ray, I hope it helps you on your journey.

[@sjurgabriel]

I´m so glad I discovered your channel. I´ve seen a lot of instructional videoes and have started to buy the essentials to try servicing watches myself. What I´ve missed is down to earth, simple instructions logically explaining how and why. You offer it, and do it well!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey my friend, it’s awesome to have you here. Let me know if you need anything. Alex

[@arizonawut]

Great tips, thanks for sharing with us newbies, Alex. PS, I'm quite jealous of your work space and would love a tour video going through all of your tools and equipment sometime. Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey buddy thanks. I hope it will help you in your handling of parts. Yea, I will put that in the list of videos.

[@El1988Che]

I've been following your work for a while now, and I'm impressed how far you've came with the editing and content. I have to say, this was super helpful tips. I have that instinct of holding tight with my tweezers, I'll install follow your advice and close them up a little. I gotta say, I was trying to spot that beautiful Doxa haha. Keep up the good work!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Hey Hey man. So glad you found the channel. I am going to make a watchmaker out of you. 😁

[@Samirgz]

Thank you for sharing and jumping right into it. When you say “dont think you can easily repair a 100year old watch”, I just love to hear some real talk like that. I was about buying some old vintage watches, but you made me think twice, thanks you for that experience shortcut. Peace ✌️from Bosnia

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hello my friend. First, sorry about the quality of the early videos. I was just starting and didn’t know anything. I thing you will find with me is that I try to be real with no fluff. Let me know how I can help

[@Samirgz]

@@watchrepairtutorials no need to say sorry, the information is important ( its my new hobby so I still dont know what im getting my self into ). By the way, just lost my firs screw today. Damn.

[@littleviking488]

Thanks very much for doing these videos. They cover the basics very clearly and the bonus tips are great!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

We are wrapping up the basics and will be moving into repairs, adjusting and regulation. I hope you stick around.

[@littleviking488]

@@watchrepairtutorials I'll be here!

[@shawningram7799]

I agree with bassbone on the sound. I see that you responded and said you are working on the sound issues. Excellent info and tips. I will be excited to see what future content you produce. Cheers

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I have a ton of videos planed. Thanks for the support.

[@alexlybbert3714]

These videos are great! Thanks for doing this! I would be happy to contribute to a patreon for these kinds of videos

[@MildEightnoon]

Thank you for making these videos. Excellent work. I am looking on getting started with watchmaking and this has been a great place to start.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The first videos are going to cover the basics, the movement systems, how to lubricate pivot jewels, the escapement, balance jewels, different methods to clean parts and how to assemble, check systems how to use a timegrapher and what and how to inspect. Then we will move into trouble shooting with real life examples. I will also cover how to use a staking set, Jeweling tools as well as lathe work when we get into the more advanced repair.

[@Sestorema]

You're a very good teacher👍 Thanks 🙂

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are welcome!

[@uqox]

I watch this series periodically and have it running in the background just to "write to the hard drive" of my brain the best practices I should always follow to keep developing my skills.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s awesome. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@So.Stephen]

Thanks! very helpful tips. Keep up the fantastic work

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I appreciate you, thank you

[@johnvaluk1401]

Thank you for the video Alex. More good and useful information!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Wow that’s an oldie but a goodie

[@johnvaluk1401]

@@watchrepairtutorials I’m getting there. Seriously a lot of good information. Been trying my hand at this for a long time but retired from regular job two years ago and can devote more time.

[@HenriqueSantos-pe4nk]

Your videos are fantastic. They are focus on technical information and useful tips. Well narrated and each video is well planned. There is a wide community of hobbyist that really seek for this kind of information… I am one of them!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Man. I love a good watch entertainment video as much as the next guy. They get people excited and interested in Horology which is great, BUT people sometimes people jump into watch repair thinking that its just going to be easy as 1,2,3. Now, this isn't rocket science but there are things you should know before working on grandma's watch. That's where the idea for "It's about F*****g Time" was born.

[@sailwesterly5444]

Found your channel. Immediate Sub and a fantastic anti-ping tip there on the tweezers. Many thanks. Rushing off to dress tweezers like this. (had too much time on hands and knees on carpet with torch!!!)

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Welcome aboard!

[@appollonialessioappolloni9377]

Alessio Complimenti sto traducendo tutte le lezioni

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks. Let me know if you need anything.

[@TheBeardedWatchmaker]

Massive improvement in video quality over the 1st video, well done!!! Great content as well, especially because you started off with the basics. Many KZbinrs (myself included) want to kick off showing our chops instead of focusing on the audience.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks my Friend. I am working on the audio issues now. The post production work is pretty hard, no a learning process that I just need to get right. Appreciate you.

[@TheBeardedWatchmaker]

@@watchrepairtutorials Hehe, I hear you about the post production part - it’s my least favorite! It takes more time than it takes to do the actual recording. But it gets easier over time once you’ve nailed down a good workflow. Having people like what you do does make it worth slogging through, and I think you have a good concept so it’ll be worth it I promise.

[@karlgustafson7850]

This is amazing. No one teaches these types of techniques. Thanks so much.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

And thank you for sitting through an awful video. I was brand new to this whole thing.

[@graymatrrocks]

Super excited for the next video. I'm going to be picking up tools over the next few paychecks to get started!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s awesome. The next video will. E coming out today. Thank you, thank you

[@monte4150]

Absolutley the best watch content maker on youtube. Im so happy i subscribed. 👍🏻

[@watchrepairtutorials]

So, my brother, so am I. I appreciate it the vote of confidence. See you soon.

[@josephsoboleski4635]

Iam learning something every time I watch your vids.thank you for the time you put in .

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I will. Thank you

[@L7A1B93]

Another great video for all of us who are just starting up with hobby watch fiddling! Thanks. 😀

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks I know the quality of the 1st videos was rough.

[@stevehackenberg]

Wow, I wish I knew this 20 years ago. Thank you!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It’s never to late. Thank you Steve

[@micnolmadtube]

Wow, as a complete novice, still virgin, this rabbit hole is MUCH deeper than I thought...

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Michael, Don't get overwhelmed. Take it on video at a time. Learn it and move to the next.

[@micnolmadtube]

@@watchrepairtutorials For sure, the video thing is a must for the novice. Thanks, I shall try not to 😅

[@jimwatchyyc]

Given how many people probably take watchmaking up as a hobby, then realize it’s too difficult, expensive, or time consuming I’m surprised there aren’t a lot of tool sets being offered for sale online. Maybe they get snapped up super quickly though and I just don’t see them.

[@paull2613]

Brilliant some of my screw drivers are over 100years old, my Great Grandfathers. This clip really helped, I've ordered a screw driver holder. cheers

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Wow that's pretty cool. I'm not sure I have even seen 100 year old screwdrivers. How great is it to work with those?

[@janguimas4788]

These tutorials fits like a glove, keep on it. Brazilian hug!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you! Will do Brazil

[@marquezvanroeschen5340]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

thanks for stopping by marquez. May I ask what country you are from and are you an english speaker or do you translate

[@marquezvanroeschen5340]

@@watchrepairtutorials I'm from Austria / Europe. Thanks for asking but for me, no translation is needed.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Thanks, Alex. I was glad to hear you talk about the applied pressure of your tweezers to screws and parts. I learned that the hard way. LOL!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yeah, I mean I think a lot of people start off grabbing a part like they’re picking up something at weights a lot. Just pick it up tight enough so that if it falls it drops straight down.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

@@watchrepairtutorials Yep. You have to use a very light touch with tiny stuff.

[@HudsonPeter]

Awesome video. So many practical tips. I can't believe I never thought of the method you showed to reduce the force needed to have the tweezers close. That's a game changer for me. Thanks again!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s awesome Peter. I hope to see you again brother.

[@jergarmar]

The principles here are so helpful! I'm still waiting on the rest of my sharpening tools, so using this video as a guide, I free-handed a very light dressing of my tweezers and my two screwdrivers with some 400-grit paper. I used my fingernail to hold the tip down flat. Even just this made a BIG difference in handling of the parts. It feel much better. In fact, if someone else tries this, I recommend 800-grit sandpaper to start out, because with 400 it only took me 5 strokes on each side to smooth and thin it out. Slower is better!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Nobody talks about really but sizing screwdrivers for the screws you are working on is watchmaking 101. Many watchmakers will have multiple sets of screwdrivers fitted to a particular manufacturer like ETA or Seiko. In these cases, there's more consistency in one manufactures screw sizes so less dressing is required but when you are working on many styles of watches like a pocket watch one day and an ETA move to next day you'll be dressing screwdrivers a lot.

[@jergarmar]

@@watchrepairtutorials Yeah, I remember you saying that! I don't have a full set of screwdrivers, just gathering them as I need them, so I suspect I'll end up with multiples of certain sizes way before I get a full set.

[@artoftinker3713]

Great series Alex!! Thanks for sharing your knoledge, experience and wisdom. I'm sure there's heaps still stored in your memory banks just waiting to come out. In due time and as the situation dictates I'm sure. Love the exercise of picking shepherd's springs and end cap jewels. Do that with 15 reps and 3 sets and you'd be a pro. All power to you!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are so kind, thank you my friend

[@pablorivera6901]

You are Awesome, your tutorials by far are the best I have seen on youtube.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad you like them Pablo

[@KrimNL10DenZ]

I've been a collector for a while but have recently gotten into actual watchmaking instead of just collecting. Your videos, in my opinion, are the best on KZbin. You don't just take things apart and put them back together with some light banter to break up the quietness. You explain things in detail, so we understand the why!! I've watched other videos and walked away scratching my head. I saw your videos on this playlist on working with the ST36, and with your help, I was able to fully disassemble and reassemble the movement without issue! I've found my teacher and go-to! These videos are amazing, please keep it coming! Question for you - how do you know which screwdriver is the best for the screw you are dealing with? The sizes are so close, I find myself second guessing which to use! Get use to my name, I've got a ton of questions coming your way!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The screwdriver tip should be just less than the width of the screw. This is true in almost all cases.

[@KrimNL10DenZ]

@watchrepairtutorials okay, that's good to know! So, just short of the width of the screw. The tip should sit in the slot touching both sides, not the bottom of the screw. I'm trying to watch all your videos before I bomb you with questions. I'm also signing up for your online course once I am proficient with the free stuff you got on here!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@KrimNL10DenZ perfect. 👍

[@DrHWO]

I use a small block of accurately squared hardwood with 0.5mm - 2.5mm holes drilled through to act as a jig to dress the tip of screwdriver blades. It has improved the flatness and squareness of the tips and makes sizing a tip to the slot a breeze. I'll stick with this until the AlexZen kicks in! Great channel. Thank you for taking the time and effort.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey man if that’s working I love it.

[@quinninstrumets8259]

Thanks for this, just reviewed again and dressed out all my tweezers and screwdrivers

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey JP, Hey man that’s going to help you a lot. I keep my stone by my bench and am always adjusting for different calibers. Hope to see ya again.

[@IM-lf5qp]

You remind me of my local watchermaker, thanks for all the great content you give us!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks IM. I hope you follow along on this journey.

[@tristandejong122]

Learning something on each and every video of yours! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad to hear it! Let me know if you have any questions

[@bishops9936]

Thank you for posting these videos and sharing real world tips and knowledge

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Lots more to come. Thanks

[@vonkruel]

I found your channel recently and I've been _devouring_ your videos. I still haven't done a full service of any movement, but with your help (and the help of others here) I feel I'm just about ready to terrorize my first movement. I'm still not sure where I'm headed with this! Is it just a hobby or will I make some money at it? I have no idea; all I know is that my interest isn't fading. I'll stay tuned!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Have fun with it and let me know if you need anything.

[@jimwatchyyc]

No disrespect but someone will be making money if you take up the hobby, the watch tool sellers ;) Do it for fun, if you can then make money, great.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@jimwatchyyc of course you can say that about almost any hobby, right?

[@tioaboa]

Great videos thanks, first time I’ve seen that explained clearly. I have work to do on my screwdrivers and tweezers now!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Once you get in the habit of doing these things, it will improve your game for sure.

[@chessimprovementst]

thank you very much

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are welcome my friend. The videos get better so keep going. 🙏

[@KrimNL10DenZ]

You've earned it! Keep it up and I'll keep it coming!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Wow thanks brother. Let me know if you need anything. 👍

[@RohitGupta-fh4og]

Learnt a lot today. Whenever my tweezers are out of shape, I buy new set. Thank you so much for sharing. I will try it and let you know the results. It will save lot of money.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

And you will not lose parts. That’s a big benefit my man.

[@RohitGupta-fh4og]

@@watchrepairtutorials That's the bonus. :) I will post my doubts soon. I am working on few watches and facing some alignment issue.

[@mikesmusicden]

Very helpful video - thank you for taking the time to make it!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

My pleasure! I hope to remake some of these older videos pretty soon

[@adfernandez67]

Subscribed !! Excellent explanation and tips! I'm new to this hobby and I have my grandfather's pocket watch, it's a 1916 omega that was sitting in a drawer for over 50 years. I am going to restore it and your videos are both inspiring and educational. Thank you !!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Awesome! Thank you! Are you sure you want to learn on a 100 year old family heirloom?

[@adfernandez67]

@@watchrepairtutorials I'm going to be very careful with it. I've been told that pocket watches are easier to work with than wristwatches.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@adfernandez67 for practicing and learning on yes pocketwatches are larger. A vintage Omega will not be easy to fix and if you break or loose any parts, replacement parts will be difficult for you to find. Good luck

[@ddsfard]

This is great. Thanks so much

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad it was helpful!

[@haping1]

I use a round Arkansas stone and slight it lightly between the tips of my tweezers. It creates a small amount of extra grip. Thanks for the video Alex👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Perfect. I use sandpaper but what you are doing works just as good.

[@walther9161]

Awesome stuff thank you for posting

[@pipodorologio1648]

Thanks for sharing your tips Alex, highly appreciated 👍👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

No worries!

[@patsummer135]

I was about to purchase a sanding stone to sharpen my facial tweezers but w/the info you provided here, I think the 400 grit sandpaper will do just fine. 🙂 I have had these tweezers for many years & haven't been able to find a spare...they look like 🤏🏼teeny pliers w/a flat edge like that flathead screwdriver & I love them bcuz they're easy to handle bcuz of their looped finger handles. Thank you so much! 😊

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You’re very welcome

[@hanslindgren7175]

Thank you for this video. You can really explain and show how it shall be done.👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Hans. Are you new to watchmaking ?

[@hanslindgren7175]

@@watchrepairtutorials Yes! I just been in this hobby for about 4year. Just now , i am struggling whith a bent hairspring for some time. Excuse my spelling, I am from Sweden. 😊

[@samnova450]

Thank for all the tips, got some tools on the way to me now. Will practice on Elgin pocket watch.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I usually recommend the St36 to cut your teeth on. Learn on a working movement. Learn how to perform a service so the watch runs as good or better as It did when new.

[@konavader]

Sharpie ink on screwdriver blades got the like, bonus like for tweezer adjustment. aloha.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks as always. Happy New Year to your and your family.

[@RestorationWatch]

Pure gold! Thanks Alex.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks brother.

[@CraigandJoan]

Thank you for this great tip..... get it? Seriously, your help is much appreciated.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

LOL, I do. Thanks 😊

[@vonmikeore]

Great video, working my way through your channel content. Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yea man. I’m working on Lubrication right now.

[@absolutekold]

A trick I picked up is to stick my sandpaper to either a small piece of sheet glass or broken chunk of polished granite countertop. You can usually come away with a cutoff from big box stores or stone works (whatever is closer) for free or next to nothing. They will generally both be sub .001 distortion on the polished flats and works wonders on anything you want to make flat and square regardless of it being screwdrivers or cleaning up and truing head castings for model steam engines.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yes sir, Great tip. I have some small 6 x 6 pieces of glass that I picked up that also work well as you pointed out

[@ronmyhre6246]

Great video. Just starting to learn and your videos are a big help

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad to hear it Ron

[@stylistic007]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I had rubber bands holding my tweezers instead of actually adjusting them like in your bonus tip. Just a suggestion/idea: I saw on another vid that using aluminum oxide films (3M) are a good alternative to sharpening stones....so I bought a 30 micrometer one for $6 and it works great. It was a great alternative because I didn't have the $$$ for good stones.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey man, whatever works for you. There are a lot of different ways to do it. The point is you just need to dress them. Nice having you here.

[@roccodargenio2939]

thank you from italy for your amazing video

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you too Rocco !

[@philipmelaragno1051]

Great series very enjoyable thank you

[@jordimartin4249]

Hi, Thanks a lot. Regards from Barcelona.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Spain checking in!!😄 Nice to see you Jordi.

[@brunotulliani]

Thank-you so much Sir!

[@PMELKUS]

Thanks Alex for these tips. I don't seem to have do as much of this since to moving to my big bucks Bergeon screwdrivers set as I did with my cheap chinese set so I guess you do get what you pay for also my Bergon tweezers are holding up much better.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yes sir butttttt, eventually they will need some touch ups.

[@sendilkumarmv]

Excellent explanation! Thanks lot

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad it was helpful Sendilkumar

[@WatchWithMike]

Excellent video. I wish KZbin would allow multiple thumbs up…😊

[@philedwards2213]

Thanks for another great video. I must get out the stone today and give things a touch up. I spent about half an hour trying to get the magnetic drive gear back in a Citizen C022 and once I dressed the tweezers it took about 30 seconds. It makes all the difference. Just need to get better now with cap jewels, launched one into the universe trying to get the clip back on ☹️

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I am happy to see that you see the advantage in tweezer dressing and sharpening. Just remember, super lite touch. Channel your inner “ Brain Surgeon”. 😊 Remember Phil, when holding a part, the amount of pressure, on the part or jewel, should only be enough so that if you lose it from the tweezers, it would only fall straight down.

[@philedwards2213]

@@watchrepairtutorials yes I use the minimal amount of force these days. It was replacing the jewel retaining clip that sent it into or it this time. And being about a third of the size of a balance jewel, I never found it again. Sent to the black hole of horology. Maybe I should have oiled the jewel first, it would have retained it, but I wanted to do that last. Lesson learned.

[@johnhannon]

I read somewhere that it is helpful to slightly roughen up the inside surfaces of tweezers to help holding jewels.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yes it is. If you take a piece of sandpaper, like 360-400 grit and fold it over, you can pull it between the tips to put some “teeth” on them. The exception would be tweezer dressed for hairspring work which spoils be polished to prevent scratching the hairspring.

[@PhantomFuego]

Excellent content, thank you!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you

[@janelemans8049]

super, Thanks

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Keep watching I have a whole playlist just for you

[@garysmith7545]

Hi Alex, new to your channel (the guys at Watch Repair Talk turned me on). Having just watched your 2nd video, I think I need to tweak my new screwdrivers and tweezers. I've ordered a job lot of junk movements with shock mounted balance staves and a vial of cap stones for practice after pinging stones and springs off into the universe. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Gary, It’s awesome having you here with me. If you follow along I will teach you how to be a better watchmaker.

[@garysmith7545]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thanks Alex, I'm planning to tend to my tweezers and ordered a screwdriver holder to roll over my white Arkansas stone.

[@TheAmbrose20012002]

thanks for teaching us

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It's my pleasure

[@spacekadebt1641]

Singer sewing machine oil works great for your Whetstone/India stone. Its cheap, readily available and works well for screwdriver and tweezer dressing.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for sharing. -Alex

[@devicentemingo]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You're welcome 😊

[@petarz9029]

Fantastic video, great tips! Also, nothing to do with watchmaking but I really like your glasses 👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I need some new ones what should I get?

[@petarz9029]

@@watchrepairtutorials I'm no fashion expert, but maybe a grey frame, or even something with a blue detail?

[@appumaster]

Beautiful video. I discovered the trick to hold the parts lightly the hard way :P Just a quick suggestion, could you bring the mic closer to you so the audio comes out a bit louder please?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yep those first couple videos were pretty rough. They get better, I promise

[@gregcapella5941]

THANKS

[@Mesco-yw9gi]

Thanks for the tips on tweezers and screwdrivers. Got any helpful hints on how to remember where screws go????

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Sure do. First thing is look at them when you take them out. Many screws have distinctive features. For example, most of your bridge screws will be the same size and shape. Some screws have a chamfer undercut and the plate they come out of will be undercut. Of course, the two largest screws belong to the ratchet wheel and crown wheel with the crown wheel screw being reversed thread. When you get to your disassembly group, your parts by the systems that they belong to. The your system parts together like for the keyless works, the motion works and train.

[@erdincerarslan9439]

you are perfect bro !

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I appreciate that!

[@Alireza-bj6dv]

Great ❤

[@HydrogenAlpha]

Lovely concise tutorial. This was perfect. I was told another tip on not pinging small parts away, which was to use slightly larger tweezers. I wonder what you think of that idea?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

First, I would say, tweezers, or a very personal tool. What feels good in your hand may not feel good in my hand. I have used Dumont 3C tweezers, most of my life, and when I bought my first pair of bronze tweezers, they were quite a bit larger and I don’t think I have gotten used to them yet. In my opinion, parts fly, and fly for one reason only. You are gripping the part too tight.

[@HydrogenAlpha]

@@watchrepairtutorials Yeah I think that makes a lot of sense. Thanks so much for the answer, and all the effort you put into these excellent tutorials. Kindest regards from Ireland.

[@Royster931]

Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Welcome!

[@joedyer4891]

Let me translate to all my hockey guys if you’re into this. Parts pinging off=hands of stone. If you’ve got those soft hands, you’re golden. If you lead the league in goals and assist you’ll be good at this. If you lead the league in penalty minutes, maybe look at a different hobby.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s funny, I don’t care who you are

[@thriftshop2609]

Excellent

[@watchrepairtutorials]

LOL, love your avatar. You must be an older gentleman.

[@thriftshop2609]

@@watchrepairtutorials Yea, I've got a few years on ya.

[@daviddavid2467]

Great Tips no pun intended!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

LOL. Thanks Dave and thanks sitting through a painful bad video

[@mm2dip]

Hi! Thank You for all you do. I've learned a lot, thank you. Question, I have a watch I'm working to Repair. I need Shepherd's hook and a hair spring. Can you help me where to look for these parts (in the USA)...? Thank you for your time.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hairsprings are not sold for watch movements. Shepard spring are best found in assortments. Watch this video I did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJrUamCMZtipba8

[@ammoalamo6485]

Note that Alex is behind a table that looks too tall. It's not - it is a height that allows him to have his eyes and arms approach the watch or movement holder in comfort. As for sharpening, over the years I have accumulated a couple of hard Arkansas stones, some cheap abrasice ones, ceramic rod sharpeners, two kits for knife sharpening each with good stones in holders, and my favorites for a quick knife edge the DMT brand diamond folding sharpeners, a green and red. I wonder when Alex will mention lifters for watch hands, or gear pullers, other tools? I'll stick around to find out.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey there Ammo, I sound like you have the sharpening stones handled. 😃 As we start moving into basic repairs, I’ll be introducing more tools and products that I use. Hope you follow along.

[@giacomodelbianco]

Is the gritt of the sharpening stone the same of the sanding paper? 400-450? If the sharpening stone is wider than your can I damage the wheel of the sharpening holder screwdriver tool?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I’m not sure what the grid is probably around 4 to 500. If you’re doing this on sandpaper, since the wheels are rolling over it, I doubt there would be very much damage at all.