How do I repair a broken clock spring?

Question

The clock is a 'Unique" brand 31 day clock. The inner part of the spring has sprung and needs to be reattached. It is a very strong spring so I need detailed instructions how to.

Answer 1

Replace this spring by another new one to keep accuracy of clock
otherwise , if you could repair it , the clock will be out of order due to change of spring stiffness

Answer 2

Clock Spring Repair

Answer 3

If the spring broke off at end where it attaches to frame or gear, you may be in luck.
Typically the spring is folded over a post & pinned.
If that's the case, all you need to do is remove the broken end fold it over the same way & drill new holes & rivet back together.
However.....spring steel is very hard to drill & will snap if bent. It must be annealed first by heating the area to be worked.
Since I did not want to tempt fate by removing the spring & heating with a torch,
Genius friend told me to light a cigarette ( smoked then) & puff away with the end on the metal until it got hot.
The giveaway was when the steel became discolored just like the original.
Was then able to drill & bend & since I did not have any brass rivets , I put a small brass screw through the hole & crushed it w/ pliers
Hard part was getting the spring re-coiled the way it was.
Been over 25 years & still ticking.
Good luck

Answer 4

You will know if its a simple clock spring. When you start the car, the air bag light will flash 3 times, pause , then flash 2 times. Then it will go solid. This is code 32. See how to replace on YouTube. The cars Well worth fixing....

Answer 5

Take it to a jeweler? They have the tools to work on this things and have experience. You don't want to mess up the clock.

Answer 6

thank you! Very valuable information and it offers me better knowledge on the topic