It’s time to wind your clock. Alas! You cannot find the key to wind it. Now you are in a situation where you are anguished and compelled to wind it without a key.
How to wind a clock without a key?
In order to wind up your clocks, the holes for keys vary. So now while winding the shortcuts that you can apply is using long rods, pins, nails, screwdrivers etc. These will vary from clock to clock.
It may sound interesting and hectic as well. But you can actually solve it. Just rely on the process. Trust me things will run smoothly.
How to Wind for Different Types of Mechanical Clocks?
There are various kinds of mechanical clocks present. So different types of mechanical clocks need various parts and techniques in order to wind up the clocks.
At first, based on the holes and locks, the keys vary in size. There are also chimes-strikes like Bam-bam, Normandy and chimes, key shapes like double-ended or Huron winding keys.
Recommended Tools for Winding Clocks
But if these are not available then try to find thin stick-like elements like ling pins, safety pins. Screwdrivers, thin and short knives can also be helpful in winding the clocks.
But if these are doubtful to you, there are kits that I can recommend to you. These kits can come in handy for any kind of clock:
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
I hope you can use these on clocks of various kinds to wind them without keys.
Now you have to be careful hanging mechanical clocks on walls. But, it is not recommended to hang clocks on plaster walls.
Let’s follow along the types to see what needs to be done differently.
Mantel Clock
Locate the time spring hole on your wall or mantel clock before winding it up. If your clock has more than one keyhole, this is normally the one farthest to the right.
As the models of clocks differ, you have to be sure.
In the corresponding hole, place your winding key. To determine whether to turn clockwise or counterclockwise, try with the key.
The correct direction is the one in which the key readily turns. The clock does not wound if it does not move readily in either direction.
Otherwise, keep turning the key until you reach a point of resistance.
Don’t yank the key any harder. The hourly chime moves due to the left-most keyhole in clocks with more keyholes.
The quarter-hour chime is usually controlled by the center keyhole in clocks with three keyholes. Though this might vary from model to model.
Thickness is a factor for hanging anything on the wall too. So even when hanging clocks check the thickness in walls.
Grandfather/Pendulum Clock
Clocks manufactured in an old-fashioned way must be wound in order to work. Grandfather clocks are freestanding timepieces.
Those are controlled by the movement of a pendulum in a tall casing and the fall of weights. To wind a grandfather clock, you need to follow these instructions.
Look into the winding points. Then obtain the clock crank or clock key at the correct point. You can use the hands to bring the first weight to the initial position.
Then repeat the similar process in the following process. Wind weekly if necessary and carefully.
So these are the ways you can actually wind it out.
Chain Wound Clock
These are modern types of grandfather clocks having chains instead of pendulums. Chains have weights for winding the clock hands instead of the hands themselves.
These chains can be winded using hands too. So no need to worry.
Try looking for the chains hanging the weight. Try pulling on one of the chain wound weights. Repeat this with other weights as well.
Try making adjustments if necessary. Make adjustments if it is necessary.
Day Clocks
You have to do the following in order to wind day locks. Locate the time spring hole on your wall or mantel clock before winding it up.
In the case of clocks with more holes, the farthest to the right, is the one. Because models differ, you may need to play about with this a little.
In the corresponding hole, place your winding key. To determine whether to turn clockwise or counterclockwise, try with the key. The correct direction is the one in which the key readily turns.
If the key does not move readily in either direction, it needs no winding. Otherwise, keep turning the key until you reach a point of resistance.
Don’t yank the key any harder.
The hourly chime is normally controlled by the left-most keyhole in clocks. These have more than one keyhole. The quarter-hour chime is usually controlled by the center keyhole in clocks. These consist of three keyholes, though this might vary from model to model.
Now, it’s obvious how to fix your clocks and wind them. Now, you may want to hang it on the wall. But if it’s drywall, you may want to know how much load it can take.
FAQs
Question: What are the three holes to wind up clocks?
Answer: The spring that powers the clock’s timekeeping function wounds in the middle hole. The clock’s chimes are powered by the right hole. Finally, the hourly strikes are powered by the left winding hole, as seen from the front.
Question: Is it possible to repair an overwound clock?
Answer: Begin by removing the clock’s outer casing, revealing the mechanism. Then you’ll need to lubricate the gears with new clock oil. It’s vital to do so gently, one drop at a time. Doing it all at once might cause problems.
Question: Is it terrible to go backward in time?
Answer: It’s advised not to put your mechanical timepiece in reverse if it has a mechanical movement. Turning your watch backward is probably safe if it has a quartz mechanism. If your cuckoo clock is very ancient, it may not even be possible. As it destroys the mechanism.
Conclusion
Now, you know how to wind a clock without a key and it is not any mystery. In fact, there are only a few things considered if you want to wind it.
So even if you do have a mechanical clock, no need to worry anymore!
Happy times only!