Does anyone know where I can get a clock winding key ? I have an old clockwork mantelpiece clock and I want to see if it works. The winding key will comprise of a square hole in a circular shaft. Cheers, Simon.
Three ways of proceeding since you haven't got an old key to read a size off:
Go to your local friendly clock repairer, with the clock, (we don't all bite) and he'll probably have a bunch of keys, that you can check the size against, or a box of assorted ones he'll find you one from
Buy a small assortment from somewhere like Cousins, or Meadows & Passmore, or H S Walsh, say sizes 8, 9, 10, and hope one fits.
or measure the size of the square, which isn't always easy with the movement in the case. The winding squares usually taper, so say where on the taper you've measured it, and someone here (me, possibly) will suggest the most likely size. There are conversion charts around, too.
I wouldn't be too worried that your friendly etc etc clockmaker will rip you off by insisting you need him to overhaul the movement. Most of us have had our fill of 30s mantel clocks.
Radiator keys are the same size as both my clocks. So if you have one give it a go for size, you can always use that to buy one or even modify it so that you can wind your clock up!
Quicktest.co.uk or one of the many clockmaker's suppliers.
There are many sizes. If you have a vernier caliper you can measure this and buy the correct one. Otherwise you can buy (cheaply) multi- size "spider" keys. However these usualy come in sets of two: odd sizes on one, even sizes on another, so you need both to guarantee a good fit.
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