If you like you fingers then watch this steampunk clock video
In this video I go over how to safely disassemble old spring driven clock movements. There can be a great deal of stored energy in the springs and if you’re not careful you may end up making a trip to the ER.
The type of movement that I disassemble in the video has springs that are not in a barrel. They are open to the environment.
I show you the two springs that are present and their purposes in the clock. I also discuss the way to safely remove the spring tension without damaging the clock parts or yourself. Remember to always wear your steampunk safety goggles and gloves.
In the video you’ll see that you can allow the movement to unwind with your hands clear from danger. I show you the parts that you remove or modify to allow the gears to spin freely.
I also show how to remove the tension with a winding key. This is a slow process and takes time.
I hope that you use this information to avoid injury and get lots of parts for you steampunk art projects.
Awesome!!
Hello,
I was hoping you would be able to tell me how to disassemble a two-spring-barrel mantel clock movement safely.
Hi Conner,
The two and three barrel clocks need to be unwound first. you can use the same method I use in my video on clocks without barrels to remove the spring tension from the movement. However, once you have the clock apart DO NOT attempt to take the spring out of the barrel!! Even when the springs are unwound there is an amazing amount of tension on them. I’m going to do a video on how to remove the springs and recover the barrel for art later. Be careful and wear eye and hand protection. More importantly have fun.
Justin