Expert: William J Perkins - 1/31/2008

Question
I have a Becker wall clock that has dented weights. I am looking to replace or repair. Any suggestions? Also the weights are suspended on Nylon line. The line has many nicks so I will have to replace. hat do I replace it with?

Answer
Before answering you questions I am very partial to Gustav Becker's wall regulators.
Now with respect to replacing the weight lines, if you are not possessive of considerable clock repair skills I urge that you not undertake the task.  This task requires removal of the great wheels from between the place and the take down and put-together of the winding mechanism components.  If you feel competent to do this task I would suggest you use braided squid line as the media.  This line is available from all clock materials houses.  Now as to the weight shells.  Replacement shells are readily available through most materials houses.  If you are like me replacements would not be satisfactory, I would much prefer to retain the originals.  To bump them out you would need to fashion yourself a mandrel upon which the empty shell would snugly fit.  You would then place the mandrel in a vise, then slide the shell onto the mandrel, using a light brass or plastic head hammer gently bump out the dents.  It is essential that both the hammer head and the mandrel be completely smooth otherwise any imperfections on them will transfer to the shells.  After you have smoothed out the dents place the shells on a lathe and polish them with no less that 0000 steel wool..  During the polishing operation do not fail to reverse your lathe if you have to change ends to complete the polishing.
My best wishes and regards WJP