Expert: Martin Meyer - 9/26/2008

Question
Hello Martin

Could you tell me if the replacement of the strike (hourly) barrel is easy to replace and how to do it?

Many thanks

Answer
Hi Mike,

The strike barrel is not difficult to replace with a new barrel-with-mainspring assembly. First, you must let down the mainspring in the old barrel. Don't attempt to do this with a regular key, or you could injure your fingers and damage the movement. Various types of let-down keys are available from any good clock supply house. Put the let-down key on the mainspring arbor (shaft), and turn it clockwise slightly so that you can release the click (ratchet wheel) that keeps the mainspring wound, then slowly let the mainspring release its power.

To remove the old mainspring, remove the bracket the retains the click wheel, remove the click wheel, then pull the arbor out of the mainspring. You can now slide the mainspring barrel out the side of the movement.

To install the new barrel, just reverse the process. Note that the arbor is keyed, so you will have to turn it until it slips into the notch inside the barrel, then you can push it straight into the movement and new barrel. Be sure that you install the click wheel right side up, so that the mainspring winds clockwise.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com