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Clocks, Watches/clock hand removing pliers

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Expert: - 3/24/2010


Question
Hi
I'm trying to find a pair of clock hand removing pliers. They are a box-joint plier and the only ones I've been able to find through my research were made by Gorbert. Do you know where I might be able to purchase a pair of these?
Thank you in advance
Tammy

Answer
Tammy, I have never heard of clock hand removing pliers and am not familiar with the Gorbert name in clock repair supplies.  However, the type of hand removers I use are similar in design to a "wheel puller".  For medium to large clocks I use a a Heavy Duty Hand %26 Gear Puller sold by Merritts Antiques (P/N P-439) and for smaller clocks I use a spring pressure type sold my Timesavers (P/N 15481).  You can Google both these companies as well as other clock supply houses.  Merritts and Timesavers have Online catalogs from which you can look at the various types of hand pulling tools.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

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John Newman

Expertise

As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.

Experience

One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee

Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.

Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)

Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama) Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)

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