Internet Horology Club 185
Is this really a clock key?

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9886029761/m/6601018981

June 12, 2006, 16:27
Sheila Gilbert
Is this really a clock key?
I found this on ebay, and wondered if it's really a clock key?
Thanks,

key1



Sheila
June 12, 2006, 16:29
Sheila Gilbert
long handle

KeyClock



Sheila
June 12, 2006, 16:52
Dave Coatsworth
Perhaps a home-made mainspring let-down key?
June 12, 2006, 17:13
Grant Perry
I would agree with Dave on this one, looks like a let-down key to me.


Grant Perry
June 13, 2006, 00:48
Sheila Gilbert
Would that be to unwind a clock?
I figured it was a home made model.
Thanks Guys,


Sheila
June 13, 2006, 16:42
Dave Coatsworth
Yes, to unwind the mainspring before disassembling the movement. To do so, you put a key like this on the winding arbor, hold it tightly with one hand and release the click spring. Then you release your hold on the key slightly so it starts to slip in your hand and the spring unwinds in a controlled manner. The cylindrical shape of the handle allows this controlled slippage -- something you couldn't do with a regular winding key.
June 13, 2006, 20:50
Sheila Gilbert
Dave,
Wow, I was just reading how to do that very thing!!!!!

Than you so much.


Sheila