Expert: William J Perkins - 11/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a wall clock made in Korea by Sau Jin, LTD. It's probably 30 years old and says REGULATOR on the glass. The last few times I wound it the spring seemed to catch or stick as it was tightening. I sprayed some WD40 on it but the last time I wound it the center of the spring wound tight while the outside rings would not tighten. Now the clock will only run 10-15 minutes before it stops. Is there a way for me to release the spring? Is there a way to treat the spring so that it tighten evenly? Thanks

ANSWER: I cannot think of a worse thing to do to a clock than to spey it with WD40.  While a very fine product it is murder to a clock.  You will have to get this stuff flushed from your clock, via a prpoer cleaning by a qualified clock repair person.  SWorry WJP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yup, OK, I get it. You didn't answer either of my questions. You just instructed me to see a clock cleaner. Why don't you tell me what they would do. While I might have made a foolish mistake, you may be underestimating my ability to remedy it. I just sprayed the spring, not all of the workings. Are you going to help me or just send me someone that would charge more than the clock is worth?

Answer
OK.
1). Is there a way for me to release the spring?  Yes, but first you must secure the spring so that it doesn't simply explode when you release its force..  You do this by tying it down by a piece of bailing wire wraped around the spring and the nearest plate leg.  Then you must fashion yourself a let down key that will permit you to control the rate the spring is released.  Then with the spring under binding and with the control of a let down key, disengage the pawl that is holding the springs power under control.  This will immediately release the full force of the spring onto the let down key, you gently release the force of the spring into the wire.  When the force of the spring is completely contained by the wire, you can remove the let down key.  
2).  Is there a way to treat the spring so that it tighten evenenly?  Yes now that you have the spring secured  in a controled condition you will have to remove the spring, lay it out flat snd thoroughly clean it leaving a muniscal layer of lubricant upon it.  Now all you have to do is reverse the proceedures you used to remove the spring from the clock and you should be in business.
I trust, "I did not underestimate your ability to remedy it."  I do warn you, this is a dangerouse proceedure where not only the clock can be seriously injured but yourself and others around you at the time.  The absolute key is keeping the tremendous force of the spring under control at all times.  I urge you not to attempt such an endevor without first establishing proper safeguards.
My original response remains correct and soundly based.  I do wish you good luck.  Please be careful.  Rgards WJP