Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 3/8/2008

Question
I have a windup clock I'm working on and the spring on the oscillating wheel came out of the little hole it was in. I don't know if there was something to lock it in or if it had a S bend on the end of it. Every time I put it in, it jumps through the hole. Also, should the spring be tighten up before I put it in the little bracket hole. The clock is made by Syroco. Thanks

Answer
the balance springs are typically held by their ends in the hole by a tapered brass pin wedged in to hold the tip of the spring. no turn the rim of the wheel till the end of the balance spring naturally goes in the hole about 1/4  inch then pin it. if it has broken off and thus shorter it may not run or keep time -now we are into tricky stuff.