Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks

It’s the little things that count in life. While this expression holds true in many aspects of our lives, it is equally true when it comes to antique and vintage clock repair.

This article highlights tools that can be invaluable for clock repair. Though not strictly essential, once you start using them, you’ll likely wonder how you ever managed without them. Additionally, these tools are relatively inexpensive and even more affordable on the used market.

Here is a list in no order of importance. Some of these items you will no doubt find more useful than others.

Magnetic flashlights

These tools are very handy for probing the dark corners of a clock case or troubleshooting the internals of a movement. They simply magnetically attach to the shaft of a screwdriver. The only drawback is the odd-sized batteries, which can sometimes be difficult to find.

The one on the left has two LED lights and turns on automatically when attached, meaning the battery drains if you forget to remove it. The one on the right, with one LED, has a push-button on/off switch. I like the one on the right.

This one is interesting because it features a telescoping magnet attachment, which is useful for illuminating an area when trying to retrieve a steel screw in a clock case, for example. It also uses readily available CR2025 button batteries.

Pivot Locator

I’ve seen a few different designs for pivot locators, but I find this one to be excellent for nudging and pulling those tiny pivots into place. If you’ve ever broken a pivot while reassembling a movement, you know how challenging it can be to fit a new pivot into an arbour. This little tool will avoid that agony.

And a closer view.

Movement Holder

I also have a set of four legs, otherwise called clamp assembly supports, that screw into the bottom plate when working on a movement, but I find they mar the corners of the movement and leave unsightly marks. A piece of 4-inch pipe cut from a plastic water or sewage pipe works perfectly.

Accessory Containers

A dollar store is a great place to find all sorts of practical containers that are both useful and very affordable. This one, with separate compartments, is ideal for storing an assortment of different-sized screws.

For storing brass and steel clock pins a camera filter container is perfect.

For storing all kinds of tiny items these containers can be purchased for a dollar or so per dozen.

Crucial for separating parts when disassembling a movement, they are also useful for preventing parts from going astray. Additionally, they are stackable and come in various sizes with the smallest size shown below.

Punch

I certainly do not advocate punching a clock plate to close a pivot hole, but a punch is useful for many other tasks. such as marking a spot for drilling, setting a reference point, or lightly shaping the edges of a part.

Precision Screwdrivers

They come in a multitude of sizes and head types, making them very useful for working with small screws on clock movements.

Slotted Screw Holding Driver

It’s called a driver, but its real purpose is to guide the screw into place.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dropped a screw into a case and spent time trying to fish it out while reinstalling a movement.

When I saw these, it felt like a miracle. While they can’t drive the screw all the way in, they allow you to turn it a couple of times, making it ready for a screwdriver to finish the job.

Compact tools and accessories may not be essential for clock repair, but they certainly make the work much easier and more efficient, offering valuable benefits. These tools are not only affordable but most are readily available, making them accessible for anyone looking to enhance their clock repair experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a hobbyist, investing in these practical, easy-to-find tools can make your work much less frustrating, helping you achieve better results with greater ease and fewer obstacles.