There is a winding key for each clock, and you should only use the key that is the proper fit for the winding square. You need to make sure it isn’t too large though. It is a good idea to label the keys for your clocks and put them away in a safe location so that they won’t get lost. Some people tape them to the back of the actual clock and you can do that too.
Always store your keys separately and not on one key ring. When you use the winding key, the remaining keys that dangle can cause damage to the face and the hands of your clock. When you are winding a clock, you need to hold the case firmly with one hand. Insert the key into the arbour and then wind it very slowly clockwise.
Listen to the process too because you should hear a click of the key before you do the next turn. If you aren’t hearing that clicking sound, then the ratchet isn’t properly engaged. You never want to go counter clockwise either when it comes to winding a clock.
If you are winding the clock from the back, you have to keep in mind that it is actually clockwise from the front. This can be confusing so just make certain you have it all clear in your mind before you turn that key one direction or the other.
There are also wind spring driven clocks, and you will want to wind them until you feel it tighten up. You have to be careful not to force it to keep going though. You always want to have caution on the side of not winding your clock enough versus winding it up too much. If you have a clock with a fusee, this will prevent it from being possible to wind it up too much. [..Read More..]
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Should you have a weight driven clock, you want to continue to wind it until the pulley is touching the seat board. This is the seat that the movement sits on. You want do the winding process slowly though so that the weight will be close to the top. You don’t want to be banging it against the seat board. With spring driven clocks, you want to wind them on a regular basis so that they are able to hold time accurately.
With an 8 day clock, you want to wind it on the same day every single week. Do the same with other cycles of clocks. While winding isn’t as important of an issue for weight driven clocks, you don’t want to allow them to get to the point where they completely unwind either. If that occurs, the movement can be damaged. Your pendulum may also swing but there won’t be any power behind it.
There are clocks that offer either 2 or 3 winding holes. There can be different mechanisms too including the striking train, the chimes, and the going train. You should also take the time to wind them when you wind up the clock. If you don’t know how to do all of this, consult with a local expert. They can show you the right way to do it on your own.
