Clock Restoration Part 1 - How to Repair the Mainspring of a 1940s English Art Deco Mantel Clock.

[@philiponsolent7232]

Thanks for the video. My clock broke as I started to wind it this evening and the old guy who used to repair it has retired. I see a few negative comments, but it is very difficult to find a repairer these days, so if it is a choice of having a go, or just leaving it broken I may try a repair following your tips.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Give it a go Phil! As it is broken already you have nothing to lose! 👍

[@irishgoldstacker8018]

I remember finding an old clock not too long ago. It wasn't working but I did think there might be some brass inside. But I wasn't prepared for what was there. A very complicated mechanism with cogs and springs everywhere. It was way over my head to try and fix it but I did have about a kilo of brass to weigh in. Its amazing that you took on that challenge. Good video as usual Chris.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks CS! Yes, they are marvelous pieces of machinery! 😊

[@haveyoulostyourcircusmitch248]

Amazed at the complexity of these old clock mechanisms. Was a very interesting lesson, thought you might reheat and quench the part of the spring you heated to give it strength again.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Mitchell! Quenching will harden the spring, but also make it brittle - and that can cause the end to break again.

[@Aaberg169]

Denmark calling. Great that you tell us about what you you know. WERY interesting and informative.videoes Your voice is great and nice to listen to😊😊😊😊

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Erik! Hi to Denmark from 'down under'! 😊👍

[@jtr159]

Thank you!! I had a hell of a time trying to get the mainspring inside the barrel - was already thinking I need some sort of tool for it. Thanks to your video I got the confidence to just walk it in.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Excellent, well done! Some will tell you that you should use a special mainspring winding tool as this method can distort the spring - but I've never had any problems and most won't buy a specialist tool unless they get serious about a clock repair hobby.

[@andrewkast4087]

Yes, place a drop of oil on the pallets of the verge and the pallets will spread it about the teeth. Nice job on the spring repair!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Andrew! 😊👍

[@paulalderson6920]

Greetings from Adelaide. Thanks for this very clear & succinct demonstration. I'm absolutely new to this game and I'm certain I have an alarm clock with this very problem. Can't wait to pull the works apart and hopefully confirm my thoughts & fix it following your steps.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Hi Paul. I'm glad this was helpful and I wish you good fortune with your repair! Let me know how it goes 😊

[@geobrown9413]

Another excellent video! Did anyone else notice that brass tag used as a door latch? A washer would work too.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Geo 😊👍 I don't think I showed the case in this video? Maybe in the case resto (part 2)

[@geobrown9413]

@@TheUltimateRecycler I'm confused too. I posted that comment in your "How to fix an antique mantel clock. Service & lubricating an overwound movement. DIY Ansonia repairs" video, shown at fifty-five. How would it get transplanted over here?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@geobrown9413 No idea! YT glitch maybe?! 🙄

[@rickjackhammer1893]

These is what I needed to see for my Fasco, Thanks

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching Rick! 😊

[@seagull104]

The nearest thing I could find to show me how to do the impossible. Thanks Chris. My clock has a barrel with cut-outs so the wheel fits over these and is moved round to lock in place. These cut-outs are sharp edges and made the job almost impossible as they caught on the spring edge. I finally used my vice, with the barrel supported in position below and held in place with a soft wash leather to soften the vice grip. Ensure the vice is gripping the base of the barrel, you don't want to distort it! You then have two hands to wind the spring into the barrel. It worked first time so I totally recommend this procedure, regardless of how much potential damage it could do. In my case it didn't do any and the clock, written off by its owner, is now ticking and striking as good as new??

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Well done Frank! Nice feeling to save something that has been written off hey?! 👍😊

[@DocJonesGarage]

Thanks for the lesson!, not that I need more stuff to do but if I see one of these at a sale I may pick it up to have a peek inside.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Of course you will Doc! 😉🤣 Thanks for watching 😊

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

thanks for this vid. I have a 1940 navy ship Chelsea clock and the mainspring is broken. so I will use what you taught me to try to fix it.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching! Hope the repair goes well 😊👍

[@markuswatson2123]

Thats too nice of a clock to do shade tree repair. Take it to a pro

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

@@markuswatson2123 they were asking over 600 to change the spring. i think i will try to do it myself by repairing the spring. i can't find the correct spring to buy

[@DavidTipton101]

There's no end to your talents Chris 😀

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Dave - let's not look too far, the end may be just around the corner!! 😂😂

[@virtualtourist361]

Nice video!! I really enjoyed it😊😊👏👏

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thank you VT 😊👍

[@markfanning1098]

Brilliant thanks for sharing, so interesting.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching Mark 👍😊

[@streetcopper1151]

All your restorations are always very interesting.. the thing I found most interesting is the finish on that brass the circular polishing gives me an idea😁.. awesome patience with that spring .. and the love The quote you said using WD-40 would be criminal🤣..can’t wait for part two👊🏻

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Seth. Yes, it's a beautiful finish! I'm looking forward to whatever you come up with! 😉😁👊

[@inssan6550]

Maniac, could you scrape any more of the barrel brass into the spring? No. Numpty

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I probably could have if I tried! 😜😜

[@راجحالدوسري-ل3ش]

شكرا...شكرا جزيلا..سيدي..تحياتي من بغداد..العراق

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

شكرا لمشاهدتك! تحية من أستراليا :)

[@mayterrace1971]

Great stuff 👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@ПашаПитецкий]

Дякую вам за працю 😊❤

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Спасибо за просмотр! 😊

[@jdiz7970]

Hi, very good video. My friend has an old clock with the same movement. Where would I get a pendulum for it? I'm attempting to fix it for him, but I'm not familiar with clocks.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Good luck with it J Diz. Unless things are badly worn, or damaged, most clocks can be made to run again with some patience and a good clean & re-oil. Try ebay for a pendulum. Thanks for watching 😊

[@mullinish]

Hi. I have this very same brass movement but mine says OWEN - All British Clocks, and you are the only information I have found about this Mantel clock. My clock still runs but stops chiming in two days. Can you help me at all, with this? I am a very beginner on repairs.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Sounds like it needs a very good clean and re-oil. I have done a video on that process with an Ansonia clock.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4HIgKSArM-GiZY

[@cookiemonster3147]

Can you also make a wind-up lamp? I mean would that be possible? Thank you!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

That's a very interesting concept! I may have to give that some thought.. 🤔😊

[@cookiemonster3147]

@@TheUltimateRecycler Then I'm glad I asked you. Imagine the possibilities if you could generate electricity by siply winding a spring through muscle power. I believe it is the future and part of the solution to the energy problem. If it turns out to be a good idea and if you play it smart you might get rich with it but it would be nice if the general public would benefit from it. Anyway, bless you my friend.

[@thebaron44]

Hand winding and unwinding a spring in a barrel, distorts the spring and creates friction.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes, and so all the purist clock repair people will tell you. They also say to have the clock professionally repaired & serviced, without any regard to the fact that these costs will far exceed the value of any common mantel clock! I believe the amount of distortion and increased friction is so negligible that it is perfectly fine to use this method to save an old clock and give it many many more years of reliable service without the need for specialised tools and expensive professional bills. On a rare and valuable clock - a different story. But on granny's old Ansonia 8 day mantel clock - perfectly acceptable! Yours sincerely, Clock repair cowboy.. 😆

[@thebaron44]

@@TheUltimateRecycler If you are serious about clock repair you might consider joining the NAWCC. You may find members in your area with winders and cleaning machines that might let you use their tools.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@thebaron44 A fair comment mate. If I was serious about clock repair only, I would join (I possibly may have long ago!). I would also buy my own specialist tools as they do make the job easier. However, my channel and passion isn't solely about clocks - I also repair electronics, timber items, small engines and just about anything that needs saving from landfill. Among other things, the purpose of my channel is to teach people how to DIY - or at least have a go at fixing their stuff rather than throwing it out. I try to avoid the need for specialist knowledge/tools or huge repair bills. My videos aren't aimed at serious clock repair people! Thanks for watching though, and taking the time to comment :)

[@markuswatson2123]

That spring was just distorted by not using a proper spring winding tool.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

This is a common comment from specialist clock repair guys Markus, but you need remember that my channel is not about teaching people how to be specialist clock repairers! My aim is to show people that they can have a go at saving something from landfill, without specialist tools and without specialist knowledge! No one who wants to get granny's old mantel clock going is likely to have a proper spring winding tool in their back pocket! Besides this, I'm yet to be convinced that there is enough distortion and consequential increase in friction to have any noticeable difference to the clock's performance in either of our lifetimes!

[@guntamgil1]

Lost my tumb by drilling like that in springmetal.....

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Ouch! Yeah, it's pretty much like a knife blade if the drill catches it!

[@jimosullivan1389]

You seem to be taking very little care of the striker hammers when handling that clock. Not impressed.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I'm sorry Jim - I'll try and impress you next time!

[@thegrassyknoll7792]

I used to fit the spring in the barrel like you do, but i did it on wristwatches and the spring and barrel always was at risk of damage, i would certaintly not do it on a mantle clock spring, and im sure that if it was a new spring it would be risky bizzness 🫣

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

You certainly need to be careful as they really pack a punch!