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Tech help has been part of our Smith's Monthly since its inception, providing simple but handy advice on how to tackle a new skill or refine the ones you already have.

Squares Part 3

Making a minute hand collet for a French Strike clock using a clock key. Firstly select a clock key which will fit over the cannon pinion and cut off the complete shank.

Squares Part 1

Filing external squares is easy but internal squares are one of the more difficult tasks we are faced with but some- times a bit of lateral thinking can save the day. Sort of thinking outside the square. So, where and when do we have to resolve a square issue? Three which come immediately to mind are French Clock minute hands, the ones with the long square, Ratchet wheels and Gong hammers, where they fit onto the lifting shaft.

Squares Part 2

To replace a square in a ratchet wheel select a suitable key. Make a hole in the ratchet wheel the same size as the key shank and chamfer front and back. Cut a piece from the key slightly thicker than the wheel. Lastly, solder the piece into the ratchet wheel. Please do this properly, dry solder joints are the bane of my life.

How to Straighten a Clock Wheel Pivot

Straightening clock pivots is not an exact science and too often a pivot will break off as the attempt is made making it necessary to re-pivot the wheel yourself or send it away to have done. This is a costly exercise in both time and money. As long as the pivot is not too badly bent it can be readily straightened with nothing but a lollipop stick. First enjoy the lollipop, it probably is the best way to remove it and although you can use any small stick it is not quite as enjoyable.

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Smith and Smith

Squares Part 3

Squares Part 1

Squares Part 2

How to Straighten a Clock Wheel Pivot

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