Over the years, many readers have asked what tools, oils, and supplies I use when working on antique clocks. While I occasionally mention these items in various posts, I realized it might be helpful to bring everything together in one convenient place.
I’ve now added a new resource page to the blog titled “Tools I Use.” On this page you’ll find a curated list of some of the basic tools and supplies that I rely on when servicing and maintaining antique clocks. These include items such as clock oils, cleaning supplies, magnifiers, and some of the more specialized tools used in horology.
As of this writing, the page is a work in progress, and I have not yet set up links
Whether you are just beginning to explore clock repair or have been working on clocks for years, having the right tools can make the work easier and more enjoyable. My goal with this page is simply to provide a practical starting point for anyone interested in maintaining or restoring mechanical clocks.
You can visit the new page by clicking the subtitle on the main page.
I will continue to update the page from time to time as I discover useful tools or resources worth sharing with fellow clock enthusiasts.
While there has been a minimal uptick in clock prices, at least as far as the garden variety of common antique clocks is concerned, the cost of clock repair equipment had increased dramatically.
The increase in the cost of clock repair equipment can be attributed to several factors that may contribute to the significant rise in prices. Following a discussion of the factors I will present a case in point.
Rarity and Specialization
Clock repair equipment, especially those designed for antique and specialized clocks, may have limited production or availability at any given time. However, during the Covid years demand for specialized equipment virtually evaporated. Given the lull in manufacturing the restart costs of producing new equipment have increased. Scarcity and specialization will drive up prices. The relatively small market size can contribute to higher prices as manufacturers may need to recover their expenses with a limited number of sales.
Manufacturing Costs
The cost of raw materials, labour, and overhead expenses involved in producing clock repair equipment has risen over time. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for certain materials, the scarcity of raw materials, and changes in manufacturing processes contribute to the overall increase in costs.
Technological Advancements
As technology advances, new tools, and equipment are developed to cater to modern clock repair techniques. These advanced tools often come with higher price tags due to research and development costs, as well as the incorporation of improved functionality.
Import Costs and Tariffs
Clock repair equipment may be sourced from various regions or countries. Fluctuations in import costs, including tariffs, taxes, and shipping expenses, can impact the final price of the equipment. Changes in trade policies and international relations have influenced the cost of importing these products.
Bergeon Bushing Machine model 6200
A case in Point
While browsing a Canadian clock supplier’s website in June 2023, I couldn’t help but notice a significant increase in the cost of the Bergeon 6200 Bushing Machine that comes with a toolset. Comparing prices from my previous purchase in 2016, the difference is striking. Back then, I was able to purchase a brand new Bergeon machine with hammers and cutters for around $1200, whereas today, the same machine is priced at $2126, a 77% increase (the 6200 has not been changed significantly), which also includes the reamers and hammers. One might be found at a reduced price of around $1900 on eBay, still a significant jump in price.
Similarly, a box of Bergeon bushings that cost $150 in 2016 now carries a price tag of $325. These price increases have made sourcing a used machine with a toolset at around $700, a more appealing option for someone entering the field of clock repair. However, if the reamers are worn and need replacement, the cost alone would be several hundred dollars if purchased new (all Canadian prices).
Enlarging a hole using a Bergeon reamer
When evaluating pricing trends in the clockmaking industry, clockmakers and enthusiasts must take into account the changing market dynamics to stay updated.
Let’s assume you have decided to take the plunge and you are at the beginning stages of building an essential tools list for clock repair. Let me help you with your journey.
In the fall of 2022, I wrote about the five essential tools for clock repair. The sidebar will bring you to that article. Tools for clock repair need not break the bank, in fact, you can begin for less than a $100 investment.
The five basic tool groups included the screwdriver, the letdown tool, the pivot locator, the box wrench, and the pliers. If you are ready to move forward with more challenging repairs here are the next set of tools you will require. Assuming you have already purchased the basic tools the 16 additional tools you will require are relatively inexpensive and are the prelude to making your first big jump to specialized and advanced tools.
This time our budget is less than $400 (all prices quoted in US funds).
Let’s begin.
Optivisor or eye loupe
The closer you can see the better. I prefer opti-type visors. I cannot get used to an eye loupe but it is certainly cheaper.
Opti-type visors are more expensive but hinged so that they can be pushed upward and out of the way. I have had a couple of visors in the past but the set I use now is the Magnivisor pro series from Carson which is about $60. The little light at the top goes through batteries fast and sometimes I forget to turn it off, so I don’t use it but you might find it helpful for those dark spaces.
$10 will get you a set of three eye loupes on Amazon.
Magnivisor by Carson
Movement test stand
A test stand is very helpful when disassembling a movement reassembling it and testing it before it is reinstalled in the case.
I have several types for different purposes but I think the one to start with is Gene’s test stand which is under $70. If you are handy in the workshop it is a relatively simple one-day woodworking project that you can build for half the cost.
Clock movement test stand
Clock movement work stand
I use two types. The first is movement plate standoffs and the second is a simple 4-inch high stand cut from a PVC pipe. The standoff set is anchored to the bottom plate by screwing brass end pieces to the four corners of the bottom plate (you can use three if you wish). The standoffs are sometimes called assembly posts and are around the $25 range in cost.
If you have 5-inch PVC pipe lying around simply cut off a 3 or 4-inch section.
Standoffs;either three or four can be usedMovement on standsoffs
The PVC is easy to work with and does not leave screw marks on the movement plates if you are particular about that sort of thing.
The movement is sitting on a piece of PVC pipe
Magnifier light
Florescent or LED. A color temperature of 6500k is the best compromise. Newer LED magnifying lights have custom color temperature settings. I see them on Amazon for about $50. Florescent bulbs have a shorter life than LED. Recently mine burned out and the replacement cost for the circular light itself is around $40 (for a $50 lamp!).
Work-light
Clock oil and oil applicator
I have not had much luck with pen-type applicators and the few I have had have split with repeated use. Plus I am not sure the oil contained within is of very high quality. I am a bit old-school and use a cupped dipper and oil reservoir. Mobius and Keystone are good brands.
Count on spending $10 to $20 for quality clock oil. Motor oil, WD40, and 3-in-1 oil are not suitable substitutes and for me, the jury is still out on synthetic oil.
clock oil applicatorClock pivot oil
Movement clamps
When working with mainsprings, spring clamps are an absolute must for safety reasons. More than one beginner in clock repair has injured themselves by not restraining the mainsprings. A set of flat clamps (my preference) are around $17. If you wish to save money heavy steel wire will do.
Assorted clamps; flat clamp on the upper left
Tweezers
Useful for encouraging tiny pivots into place, picking up small clock parts, and a hundred other uses. A set will set you back $10. Bergeon will happily sell you a set for a few hundred dollars but cheaper blunt nose and needle nose tweezers will do.
Tweezers
Micrometer
Measurement in clock repair is important and a micrometer is essential. They are relatively cheap and can be had for under $20 at your local hardware store.
Using a micrometer to check the pivot diameter
Cotton swabs
A general all-purpose probing cleaner for those tight crevices and corners. You will be surprised how quickly you can use up a box of 400. Under $3. Also useful for cleaning out your ears when determining whether or not your clock is in beat.
Cotton swabs
Toothpicks
There is no substitute for cleaning clock bushing holes. Buy them in the hundreds, you will need a lot of them. Get them at the checkout counter for under $2.
Toothpicks
Mini level
A level surface is required to have a clock in beat. This one by Starrett is over $50 but you need not spend that much. Count on about $10.
Spirit level
Spider key sets
The 4 and 5-prone sets in even and odd sizes will be enough for a vast number of clocks. As you move along in your hobby you will accumulate box loads of keys but a spider set is handier. Count on about $15.
4 and 5 prong keys and singles
Organizing trays
These are dollar-store items. Great for organizing clock parts (and not losing them). You can pick up a wide variety of sizes for under $10 total.
Organizing trays
Screw head holding screwdriver
I have a set by Klein Tools and find it a time-saver, especially when returning a movement to its case and holding and guiding that finicky screw in place. The gripping action holds, starts, and drives slotted screws in awkward, hard-to-reach places. A word of caution; they can be easily ruined if used to torque a screw in place.
I wish they can be purchased separately for a reasonable cost because I never have used the large one. About $60
Flashlight
Great for locating that nut that mysteriously flies through the air and lands on your floor sometimes never to be seen again. There are many other uses as well. The fancy ones are flexible but I have a penlight which is less than $10.
Flexible flashlight
Set of Single-Ended Scaler Probes
Okay, they are the same ones used by dentists to pick at your teeth but they are perfect for pulling that helper wire into position, guiding a pivot in place, or just about any time you need to pick at something, probe an area, de-scale a tooth (clock teeth, I mean), and so on. I bought mine at a dollar store but a set can be had for around $15.
Scalers
Concluding remarks
And there you have it.
For the next level, the costs begin to escalate but after purchasing these tools, and becoming familiar with clock movements through practice you will want to explore your hobby further. In a future article, I will describe how you spend big money on more specialized tools but also how you can get away with advanced repairs on the cheap.
Thinking about clock repair? Does the high cost of tools keep you from diving deeper into the hobby? Here are a few basic tools to get you started on clock repair.
These are also the five tools that I use almost every day in clock repair. The tools together are well under $100 and are essential when working on antique and vintage mechanical clocks. The most expensive is a letdown set which can cost anywhere from about $45 for a 4-piece set or approximately $65 for a 6-piece set. The other tools are less than $10 each.
So let’s begin.
The let-down set
The letdown set’s main use is to wind or release mainsprings in clock movements. It can be used on its own or in combination with a spring winder. It can also be used as a key gauge The 4-piece set includes a plastic handle and 3 chucks in sizes: #5-6, #7-8, and #10-12.
Broom handle let down tool
If you don’t mind sweeping the kitchen floor with a shorter broom handle you can make one of these and save even more money.
Four-piece letdown set
The safe release of powerful springs on any clock will save you from broken and bruised fingers, trust me!
The letdown key in action: letting mainsprings down on a German movement
The pivot locator
This tool is 8″ long with a knurled handle. The business end is the pivot locator which is used to gently push and pull pivots into their holes lining up wheel pivots between the plates when assembling clocks. It is long enough to go deep between the movement plates and is useful when working on either small or large movements.
Never try to muscle pivots into their bushing holes since it will lead to disastrous results such as broken and bent pivots. This tool is designed to allow you to carefully position pivots into their holes without the risk of damage to the wheels and gears. Every clockmaker I know has this tool.
Pivot locator
Flat nose smooth pliers
Below is an assortment of pliers, always good to have but the green handle one (center) has a spring action, a flat nose, and smooth jaws to prevent the marring of surfaces and is the first one you should buy. Smooth jaw pliers are also useful for releasing taper pins on clock minute hands. Others include needle-nose and wire clippers.
Assorted pliers but the flat nose type (centre) are the ones used the most
Box wrench
The photo below shows the small size of the box wrench among other tools. It is used for releasing nuts on movements. It grips better than pliers and spares the nuts from unnecessary abuse.
Screwdrivers and box wrench; the blue handle slotted screwdriver is one of my top tools
Screwdriver
The blue handle screwdriver is of the slotted type. Before the days of the Robertson or Phillips screw, flat head or slotted screws were used in clock making, especially case construction. Begin with the small size and gradually acquire an assortment for all your clock needs.
Beyond the basic tools, it all depends on how far you want to pursue clock repair as a hobby or a vocation. Obviously, the costs begin to escalate as you acquire more complex tools but follow my advice; determine the need for the tool first before you put down your money, establish a budget, avoid buying everything at once, and become an expert on each tool you acquire and shop on the used market when possible.
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
You must be logged in to post a comment.