Ansonia Mantel Clock Stopping During Winding Diagnosing Power Problems

Ansonia mantel clocks with open escapements stopping during winding reveal the critical power problem where insufficient end shake on second wheel combined with tight click wheel to main wheel interface creates marginal operation manifesting as clock stopping when winding momentarily reverses mainspring torque while extremely low pendulum amplitude makes movement hypersensitive to being in beat requiring perfect adjustment before clock will run. When clockmakers encounter movements that run between windings but stop with each turn of winding key, show escape wheel moving backward during winding, or require perfect beat adjustment to run at all despite complete cleaning and pivot polishing, the complex diagnostic challenge occurs because multiple factors interact creating cumulative power loss where inadequate end shake binds arbors between plates, excessive click wheel friction transmits winding torque backward through train, and marginally adjusted escapement with insufficient lock consumes excessive power leaving no reserve for disruptions. This frustrating service situation happens because Ansonia movements were manufactured with specific plate spacing and arbor lengths where subsequent bushing work, plate straightening, or inadequate chamfering creates binding that wasn't present originally while open escapement design with half-round metal pallets requires precise adjustment where escape wheel tooth must drop onto pallet just past top of curve preventing recoil and power consumption. This guide covers complete diagnosis and correction of Ansonia stopping problems from systematic power testing to escapement adjustment. You'll learn performing end shake testing by lifting each wheel observing whether it drops freely under own weight, identifying insufficient end shake on second wheel as primary power robber particularly when bushings weren't chamfered on plate inside, correcting click wheel to main wheel friction through generous oiling of interface or disassembly for cleaning, adjusting crutch foot slot closing excessive play between leader and crutch that robs power through shaking motion, and verifying proper escapement lock where tooth lands just past pallet curve top preventing recoil while maintaining adequate security. The key to correcting Ansonia stopping problems is recognizing that low pendulum amplitude is symptom not cause requiring systematic power restoration through end shake correction, friction reduction, and escapement optimization where adding brass washers between plates as spacers may temporarily solve binding problem but identifying root cause through bushing chamfer inspection or plate straightness verification ensures permanent reliable correction.

Understanding Ansonia Stopping During Winding

Why Clocks Stop When Winding

Clocks without maintaining power stop or run backward during winding. Turning winding key applies torque to winding arbor through click and ratchet mechanism. This winding torque opposes mainspring unwinding torque. When winding key turns, mainspring torque to escapement reduces or reverses momentarily. Escapement may stop briefly or run backward until key releases. This is normal behavior for movements without maintaining power mechanism.

However, some clocks are more susceptible to stopping than others. Clock with adequate pendulum amplitude and power margin continues running despite momentary torque reduction during winding. Pendulum momentum carries movement through brief power interruption. Clock with marginal pendulum amplitude and minimal power reserve stops completely requiring restart after each winding. This indicates underlying power problem making movement vulnerable to any disruption.

Ansonia mantel clocks with open escapements allow visual observation of stopping mechanism. During winding, escape wheel visibly stops and moves backward slightly with each key turn. Pallets release allowing escape wheel to reverse under power from pendulum momentum. If power is adequate, escapement resumes forward operation when key releases. If power is marginal, escapement remains stopped requiring manual restart. Visible backward motion during winding is normal. Complete stopping requiring restart indicates power inadequacy.

Click Wheel to Main Wheel Interface

Click wheel and main wheel connection affects winding behavior. These two components should be held together with specific friction. If connection is too loose, winding torque goes directly to mainspring inner coil without advancing main wheel. Clock winds normally but winding doesn't advance timekeeping train during winding process. If connection is too tight, winding torque transmits partially to main wheel causing backward rotation during winding making stopping problem worse.

Proper friction balance allows click wheel to advance ratchet teeth on main wheel during winding while preventing main wheel from rotating backward. Accumulated dirt, dried oil, or excessive staking creates friction that's too high. Worn or damaged interface creates friction that's too low. Most Ansonia movements have adequate initial interface but accumulate contamination during decades of operation. This contamination isn't removed during routine cleaning because main wheel and click wheel typically aren't separated.

Test interface friction by attempting to rotate click wheel relative to main wheel with spring let down. Moderate resistance should be felt. Excessive resistance indicates contamination or over-staking requiring correction. No resistance indicates wear or inadequate staking. Generous oil application between click wheel teeth often improves situation by lubricating contaminated interface. If oil doesn't help, complete disassembly and cleaning is necessary removing accumulated deposits and restoring proper friction relationship.

Pendulum Amplitude and Beat Sensitivity

Low pendulum amplitude creates extreme beat sensitivity. Clock with robust amplitude tolerates being slightly out of beat. Pendulum has sufficient energy overcoming escapement irregularities caused by beat error. Clock with minimal amplitude stops immediately if beat is imperfect. Any beat deviation creates situation where one pallet receives less energy than other. With marginal power, this imbalance stops clock completely.

Ansonia movements showing this symptom - requiring perfect beat adjustment to run - have underlying power problem. Beat sensitivity is consequence not cause. Correcting beat perfectly allows marginal clock to run but doesn't address fundamental power inadequacy. Clock remains vulnerable to stopping from any disturbance - movement during dusting, temperature changes affecting oil viscosity, or slight case settling changing beat relationship. Proper repair restores adequate power eliminating beat hypersensitivity.

However, some beat sensitivity is normal during initial setup. Movement with adequate power still requires reasonable beat adjustment for reliable operation. Distinction is degree of sensitivity. Movement requiring hours of minute adjustments finding exact beat position has power problems. Movement running reliably with beat adjustment completed in few minutes using standard techniques has adequate power. Use beat sensitivity as diagnostic indicator guiding attention toward power restoration rather than endless beat adjustment attempts.

Diagnosing Power Problems

End Shake Testing Procedure

End shake test reveals binding problems invisible during casual inspection. With mainspring let down and clock movement removed from case, lay movement on back. Use probe or wooden stick lifting each wheel arbor upward as far as possible then release. Arbor should drop freely under own weight without hesitation. Sticky or slow drop indicates insufficient end shake creating friction that robs power. Repeat test with movement on face lifting arbors downward. Both directions should show free dropping.

Pay particular attention to second wheel. This wheel connects center wheel to escape wheel experiencing substantial rotational speed and friction. Insufficient end shake here creates major power loss. In problem movement, second wheel may show no end shake at all. Arbor doesn't lift measurably when tested. This total lack of clearance indicates serious binding requiring immediate correction before reliable operation is possible.

However, some resistance during lifting is normal. Arbor shouldn't lift so freely that it moves with breath or vibration. Goal is adequate clearance allowing free rotation while maintaining reasonable position stability. If arbor lifts easily requiring only light touch but drops freely when released, end shake is probably adequate. If arbor requires significant force for lifting or doesn't drop freely, end shake is insufficient requiring correction through bushing chamfer work or plate spacing adjustment.

Identifying Bushing Problems

Insufficient end shake after bushing work indicates improper bushing installation. Common problem is lack of chamfer on bushing inside edge adjacent to plate interior. Bushing installed flush with plate surface creates sharp edge. When arbor shoulder contacts this edge, binding occurs preventing free rotation. Proper chamfer creates gradual transition from pivot hole to plate surface eliminating sharp edge and allowing arbor shoulder to ride smoothly without binding.

Check bushings carefully under magnification. Bushing should show visible chamfer on both sides - outside where bushing enters from plate exterior, and critically inside where arbor shoulder approaches plate interior. Missing inside chamfer is common oversight creating power problems. Even properly installed bushing may have inadequate chamfer if bushing was manufactured with minimal chamfer or if chamfer was accidentally removed during pressing or finishing operations.

Another bushing problem is fitting bushing too tight on arbor. Bushing reamed to exact pivot diameter creates excessive friction. Pivot should have slight clearance allowing free rotation. Test by rotating arbor with fingers after bushing installation. Arbor should spin freely with minimal resistance. Stiff rotation indicates tight bushing requiring additional reaming. However, excessive clearance creates play affecting timekeeping. Balance free rotation against reasonable position control achieving optimal compromise.

Plate Spacing and Straightness Issues

Plates that are too close together eliminate end shake even with proper arbor lengths and good bushings. Original manufacturer carefully bent plates creating specific spacing providing proper end shake for all arbors. Well-meaning but uninformed repairer may straighten plates thinking bent plates indicate damage. Straightening eliminates carefully designed spacing creating binding where none existed before. Result is movement that looks good cosmetically but has insufficient end shake causing power problems.

Inspect plate straightness carefully. Slight plate bow is often intentional not damage. Don't assume straight plates are correct. If end shake testing reveals binding and bushing inspection shows proper chamfers and clearances, plate spacing may be problem. Adding brass washers between plates at pillar locations increases spacing restoring end shake. This temporary solution proves diagnosis before attempting permanent correction through careful plate rebending.

However, genuinely damaged plates require different approach. Plate bent from dropping or mishandling creates uneven spacing. Some arbors have adequate end shake while others bind. This differential spacing pattern differs from intentional factory bending creating uniform controlled spacing. Straightening genuinely damaged plates followed by careful rebending creating proper spacing restores original geometry. Distinguishing intentional factory bending from accidental damage requires experience and comparison with similar working movements.

Correcting End Shake Problems

Chamfering Bushing Interior Edges

Add chamfer to bushing inside edge using appropriate tools. Chamfering tool with correct angle simplifies work. Insert tool into bushing from plate interior side. Rotate tool creating smooth chamfer removing sharp edge. Work carefully avoiding excessive material removal that weakens bushing or creates irregular chamfer. Goal is smooth gradual transition from pivot hole diameter to plate surface not aggressive chamfer removing substantial bushing material.

For clockmakers without chamfering tool, alternative methods work adequately. Small countersink bit in pin vise creates acceptable chamfer when used carefully. Rotate bit by hand applying light pressure. Stop frequently checking progress. Avoid power tools creating excessive material removal or chatter damaging bushing. Sharp triangular scraper also works creating chamfer through controlled scraping action. This requires more skill and patience but produces good results with practice.

After chamfering, verify improvement through end shake testing. Lift arbor observing whether free drop has improved. Compare chamfered bushing to unmarked bushings on same movement. Properly chamfered bushing should show visible bevel under magnification creating smooth funnel from pivot hole to plate interior. Repeat chamfering if initial attempt was inadequate. Multiple light chamfering passes produce better results than single aggressive pass risking damage or irregular surface.

Adding Plate Spacers

Brass washers between plates at pillar locations increase plate spacing. Select washer thickness based on end shake testing results. If second wheel shows zero end shake, start with 0.010 inch washers. Thicker washers may be necessary for severe binding. However, excessive spacing creates other problems including reduced plate rigidity and altered gear mesh relationships. Use minimum spacer thickness achieving adequate end shake avoiding unnecessary complications from excessive spacing.

Install washers at all pillar locations maintaining parallel plate relationship. Washers at only some pillars create uneven spacing affecting multiple arbors unpredictably. Uniform spacing change affects all arbors equally creating predictable controllable end shake improvement. After washer installation, perform complete end shake testing verifying all arbors show adequate clearance. Adjust washer thickness if testing reveals inadequate improvement or excessive spacing.

However, recognize that spacers are diagnostic tool or temporary solution not ideal permanent correction. Spacers prove that plate spacing is problem. Once diagnosis is confirmed, proper correction involves identifying why spacing is inadequate. If plates were straightened removing factory bend, carefully rebend plates to original configuration. If bushings lack chamfers, add proper chamfers. Spacers remain acceptable permanent solution when root cause cannot be corrected without extensive work disproportionate to clock value.

Correcting Overtightened Click Wheel

If click wheel to main wheel interface is too tight, correction requires disassembly and cleaning or restaking. First attempt generous oil application between click wheel teeth. High-quality clock oil applied at tooth roots may penetrate interface reducing friction. Allow oil to work for several hours before testing. If improvement occurs, oil has succeeded reducing friction adequately. Reapply oil periodically during future service maintaining reduced friction.

If oil doesn't help, complete disassembly is necessary. This requires removing click wheel from main wheel - often press-fit or staked assembly. Work carefully avoiding damage to wheels or arbor. After separation, clean all surfaces thoroughly removing accumulated contamination. Inspect for burrs or damage requiring correction. Reassemble with appropriate friction. If originally staked, light restaking provides adequate retention without excessive friction. Test assembled unit verifying proper balance between retention and freedom.

However, some movements have click wheel and main wheel manufactured as single assembly not designed for separation. Attempting disassembly damages components. For these movements, focus correction efforts on generous lubrication. Apply oil at every accessible interface point. Work oil into assembly through repeated winding and release cycles. Patient persistent oiling often improves situation adequately even when complete cleaning would be preferable. Balance improvement achieved against risk of damage from disassembly.

Escapement Adjustment for Ansonia Open Escapements

Understanding Half-Round Pallet Design

Ansonia open escapements use half-round metal pallets not jeweled pallets. Pallet face is curved creating specific geometry for tooth engagement. Escape wheel tooth must drop onto pallet just past top of curve - slightly beyond apex moving down back side. This position creates small lock preventing tooth from sliding back off pallet while minimizing recoil. Tooth landing before curve top attempts to push pallet backward creating recoil consuming excessive power and reducing amplitude.

Proper lock is small but positive. Tooth should engage pallet creating visible lock preventing further escape wheel rotation. However, lock should not be excessive. Deep lock creates more recoil and power consumption. Ideal lock is barely adequate providing security without waste. Observe escapement carefully during operation. At moment tooth contacts pallet, small backward motion should occur as pallet absorbs impact and establishes lock. Excessive backward motion indicates too much lock requiring adjustment.

Escapement adjustment on Ansonia movements is critical and unforgiving. Small adjustment errors create dramatic performance changes. Movement may refuse to run at all with slightly incorrect adjustment. Alternatively, movement may run but with poor amplitude and reliability. Precise adjustment achieving optimal lock position creates dramatic improvement in amplitude and power reserve. This sensitivity makes escapement adjustment both challenging and rewarding when successfully achieved.

Adjusting Pallet Position

Pallet position adjustment changes where tooth lands on pallet curve. Moving pallet closer to escape wheel causes tooth to land earlier in curve - before apex. Moving pallet away causes tooth to land later - past apex moving down back side. Goal is positioning pallet so tooth lands just past apex creating small positive lock without excessive recoil. Adjustment requires patience and small incremental changes observing results after each adjustment.

Bend pallet arm very slightly adjusting position. Work carefully using appropriate tools. Needle-nose pliers with smooth jaws prevent surface damage. Make tiny bends testing operation after each change. Don't attempt large adjustment in single bend. Multiple small adjustments converge on correct position more reliably than attempting single correction. Mark pallet position before adjustment providing reference for determining adjustment direction and amount.

However, pallet adjustment is last resort after power problems are corrected. Don't attempt escapement adjustment until adequate end shake is established, click wheel friction is optimized, and all other power robbers are eliminated. Marginal movement with power problems won't run reliably regardless of escapement adjustment perfection. Only after establishing good power delivery should escapement adjustment proceed. Proper sequence is diagnose power, restore power, then optimize escapement. Reversed sequence wastes time attempting escapement perfection on movement lacking adequate power for reliable operation.

Crutch Foot Slot Adjustment

Excessive play between pendulum leader and crutch foot slot robs power. Leader should fit snugly in slot with minimal side-to-side play. Loose fit allows leader to shake during pendulum swing. This shaking motion wastes energy reducing amplitude. Each swing loses power to unnecessary movement. Cumulative effect is reduced amplitude and poor power reserve making movement vulnerable to stopping during winding or from other disturbances.

Close crutch foot slot carefully reducing play. Use smooth-jaw pliers squeezing slot gently. Work incrementally testing fit after each adjustment. Goal is snug fit allowing smooth pendulum motion without binding. Overly tight fit creates binding worse than loose fit. Pendulum should swing freely without catching or hesitation. However, leader shouldn't have visible play wiggling side to side in slot. Balance snug fit against freedom of motion.

Alternatively, if leader is too thin for crutch slot, replacement leader may be necessary. Original leader may have been replaced with incorrect part or excessive wear has reduced leader diameter. New leader with proper diameter eliminates play without requiring crutch adjustment. However, most problems result from worn or bent crutch slot rather than thin leader. Inspect both components determining which requires correction achieving proper fit.

Testing and Verification

Pendulum Amplitude Assessment

Proper pendulum amplitude for Ansonia mantel clock is approximately three to four degrees each side of vertical - total swing of six to eight degrees. This provides adequate power reserve for reliable operation despite minor disturbances. Amplitude less than two degrees each side indicates inadequate power requiring correction. However, excessive amplitude wastes power and increases rate variations from circular error. Balance adequate amplitude against practical efficiency.

Compare amplitude to known-good example. Video or photograph of working Ansonia movement provides reference. However, exact amplitude comparison is difficult without careful measurement. Subjective assessment often suffices - pendulum should have visible vigorous swing not weak hesitant motion. Strong amplitude is immediately obvious. Marginal amplitude appears weak and uncertain. Trust visual impression supplemented by operational testing through winding and movement handling.

Test amplitude throughout winding cycle. Freshly wound movement should show robust amplitude. After running several days, amplitude should remain strong though perhaps slightly reduced. Dramatic amplitude reduction during winding cycle indicates mainspring or power delivery problems. Mainspring may be damaged, contaminated, or inadequately lubricated. Power delivery through train may have excessive friction from worn pivots or inadequate lubrication. Systematic diagnosis identifies specific cause enabling targeted correction.

Stability Testing After Corrections

After completing corrections, test movement thoroughly before declaring success. Run movement on test stand for several days observing reliability. Wind movement regularly noting whether stopping during winding has been eliminated. Move test stand slightly checking whether beat sensitivity has been reduced. Movement with adequate power tolerates reasonable handling without stopping requiring extensive readjustment.

Install movement in case testing complete clock operation. Case installation sometimes reveals problems not apparent on test stand. Verify mounting is secure without creating vibration or stress. Check that pendulum hangs freely without interference. Observe amplitude and listen for smooth escapement action. Any unusual sounds or visible irregularities require investigation before considering job complete.

Document corrections made for future reference. Record end shake measurements before and after spacing adjustment. Note bushing chamfer work performed. Describe escapement adjustments attempted. This documentation helps future service on same clock or provides guidance when encountering similar problems on other movements. Building personal reference library of problem-specific solutions improves efficiency and success rate on subsequent repairs.

FAQs

Why does my Ansonia clock stop every time I wind it?

Ansonia clock stopping during winding indicates inadequate pendulum amplitude and power reserve where movements without maintaining power mechanism experience momentary torque reduction or reversal when winding key turns opposing mainspring unwinding force. Clock with adequate amplitude and power margin continues running despite brief power interruption but clock with marginal amplitude stops completely requiring restart after each winding revealing underlying power problem. Primary causes include insufficient end shake on second wheel creating binding that robs power, excessive click wheel to main wheel friction transmitting winding torque backward through train, improperly adjusted escapement with tooth landing before pallet curve top creating recoil and power consumption, or excessive play between pendulum leader and crutch foot slot allowing shaking that wastes energy. Systematic diagnosis through end shake testing identifies binding where you lay movement on back lifting each wheel arbor upward releasing to observe free drop under own weight. Second wheel showing no end shake or sticky drop indicates serious binding requiring correction through bushing chamfer addition or plate spacing adjustment. However stopping during winding is symptom not independent problem requiring power restoration rather than accepting stopping as normal operational characteristic.

How do I test for insufficient end shake?

Test end shake by letting down mainspring removing movement from case and laying movement on back where you use probe or wooden stick lifting each wheel arbor upward as far as possible then releasing observing whether arbor drops freely under own weight without hesitation. Sticky or slow drop indicates insufficient end shake creating friction that robs power. Repeat test with movement on face lifting arbors downward where both directions should show free dropping. Pay particular attention to second wheel connecting center wheel to escape wheel experiencing substantial rotational speed and friction where insufficient end shake here creates major power loss. In problem movement second wheel may show no end shake at all where arbor doesn't lift measurably when tested indicating serious binding requiring immediate correction. However some resistance during lifting is normal where arbor shouldn't lift so freely that it moves with breath or vibration. If arbor lifts easily requiring only light touch but drops freely when released end shake is probably adequate. If arbor requires significant force for lifting or doesn't drop freely end shake is insufficient requiring correction through bushing chamfer work or plate spacing adjustment using brass washers between plates at pillar locations.

What causes insufficient end shake after bushing work?

Insufficient end shake after bushing work indicates improper bushing installation where common problem is lack of chamfer on bushing inside edge adjacent to plate interior creating sharp edge that binds arbor shoulder preventing free rotation. Proper chamfer creates gradual transition from pivot hole to plate surface eliminating sharp edge allowing arbor shoulder to ride smoothly. Check bushings under magnification where bushing should show visible chamfer on both sides - outside where bushing enters from plate exterior and critically inside where arbor shoulder approaches plate interior. Missing inside chamfer is common oversight creating power problems even when outside chamfer is properly done. Another bushing problem is fitting bushing too tight on arbor where bushing reamed to exact pivot diameter creates excessive friction and pivot should have slight clearance allowing free rotation. Test by rotating arbor with fingers after bushing installation where arbor should spin freely with minimal resistance. Stiff rotation indicates tight bushing requiring additional reaming. Add chamfer to bushing inside edge using chamfering tool or small countersink bit in pin vise rotating carefully creating smooth chamfer removing sharp edge working carefully avoiding excessive material removal. After chamfering verify improvement through end shake testing comparing chamfered bushing to unmarked bushings on same movement.

Should I straighten bent clock plates?

No do not straighten bent clock plates without determining whether bending is intentional factory design or accidental damage because original manufacturer carefully bent plates creating specific spacing providing proper end shake for all arbors. Well-meaning but uninformed repairer may straighten plates thinking bent plates indicate damage where straightening eliminates carefully designed spacing creating binding where none existed before resulting in movement that looks good cosmetically but has insufficient end shake causing power problems. Inspect plate straightness carefully recognizing that slight plate bow is often intentional not damage. If end shake testing reveals binding and bushing inspection shows proper chamfers and clearances plate spacing may be problem where adding brass washers between plates at pillar locations increases spacing restoring end shake proving diagnosis. However genuinely damaged plates require different approach where plate bent from dropping or mishandling creates uneven spacing with some arbors having adequate end shake while others bind. This differential spacing pattern differs from intentional factory bending creating uniform controlled spacing. Distinguishing intentional factory bending from accidental damage requires experience and comparison with similar working movements. When uncertain preserve existing plate configuration attempting corrections through bushing chamfer work or temporary spacers rather than irreversibly straightening plates that may have been intentionally shaped.

How do I adjust Ansonia open escapement pallets?

Adjust Ansonia open escapement pallets only after correcting all power problems because escapement adjustment is last resort following establishment of adequate end shake, optimized click wheel friction, and elimination of all power robbers. Ansonia uses half-round metal pallets where escape wheel tooth must drop onto pallet just past top of curve slightly beyond apex moving down back side creating small lock preventing tooth from sliding back while minimizing recoil. Tooth landing before curve top attempts to push pallet backward creating recoil consuming excessive power and reducing amplitude. Bend pallet arm very slightly adjusting position where moving pallet closer to escape wheel causes tooth to land earlier before apex while moving pallet away causes tooth to land later past apex. Make tiny bends using needle-nose pliers with smooth jaws testing operation after each change where multiple small adjustments converge on correct position more reliably than attempting single large correction. Observe escapement during operation where at moment tooth contacts pallet small backward motion should occur as pallet absorbs impact and establishes lock. Excessive backward motion indicates too much lock requiring adjustment. However escapement adjustment on Ansonia movements is critical and unforgiving where small adjustment errors create dramatic performance changes and movement may refuse to run at all with slightly incorrect adjustment making precise positioning essential.

Why is my clock hypersensitive to being in beat?

Clock hypersensitive to being in beat requiring perfect adjustment before it will run indicates low pendulum amplitude from underlying power problem where beat sensitivity is consequence not cause. Clock with robust amplitude tolerates being slightly out of beat because pendulum has sufficient energy overcoming escapement irregularities caused by beat error but clock with minimal amplitude stops immediately if beat is imperfect. Any beat deviation creates situation where one pallet receives less energy than other and with marginal power this imbalance stops clock completely. Correcting beat perfectly allows marginal clock to run but doesn't address fundamental power inadequacy leaving clock vulnerable to stopping from any disturbance including movement during dusting, temperature changes affecting oil viscosity, or slight case settling changing beat relationship. Proper repair restores adequate power eliminating beat hypersensitivity through systematic power restoration including end shake correction particularly on second wheel, click wheel friction reduction through generous oiling or disassembly cleaning, crutch foot slot adjustment closing excessive play between leader and crutch, and escapement optimization achieving proper lock position. Movement with adequate power still requires reasonable beat adjustment but distinction is degree of sensitivity where movement requiring hours of minute adjustments has power problems while movement running reliably with beat adjustment completed in few minutes has adequate power.

Can I add washers between the plates as permanent solution?

Yes brass washers between plates at pillar locations can serve as permanent solution though recognizing that spacers are primarily diagnostic tool proving that plate spacing is problem where once diagnosis is confirmed proper correction involves identifying why spacing is inadequate. If plates were straightened removing factory bend carefully rebend plates to original configuration. If bushings lack chamfers add proper chamfers eliminating binding at source. However spacers remain acceptable permanent solution when root cause cannot be corrected without extensive work disproportionate to clock value or when plates are genuinely damaged making rebending impractical. Select washer thickness based on end shake testing results where if second wheel shows zero end shake start with 0.010 inch washers adjusting thickness as needed. Install washers at all pillar locations maintaining parallel plate relationship because washers at only some pillars create uneven spacing affecting multiple arbors unpredictably. After washer installation perform complete end shake testing verifying all arbors show adequate clearance adjusting washer thickness if testing reveals inadequate improvement or excessive spacing. Movement should run before pendulum is attached when adequate power is restored indicating successful correction whether through spacers, chamfering, or other power restoration measures.