Cuckoo Clock Double Striking Half-Hour Gathering Pallet Fix

German cuckoo clocks with double striking on half-hour reveal the critical problem where gathering pallet bean-cam positioned incorrectly on arbor prevents complete strike train locking causing rack hook pin to rest high in cam notch allowing extra revolution before train stops. When clockmakers encounter movements striking correct hour counts but consistently producing two cuckoo calls at half-hour with door opening, closing, then reopening for second strike, the deceptive intermittent locking occurs because rack hook falls beneath rack after first strike attempting to lock train but gathering pallet cam rotation hasn't positioned deep notch under rack hook pin allowing pin to drop only partially creating marginal lock that sometimes holds but often slips permitting additional strike revolution. This frustrating diagnostic challenge happens because gathering pallet orientation on friction-fit arbor determines exact rotational position where cam notch aligns with rack hook pin fall requiring precise positioning where rack hook drops completely into deepest notch point creating positive lock preventing further train rotation. This guide covers complete half-hour double strike troubleshooting from understanding rack-and-snail operation to proper gathering pallet adjustment. You'll learn identifying incomplete train lock through observing rack hook pin position in gathering pallet cam notch where pin resting high rather than at notch bottom indicates faulty positioning, understanding half-hour versus hour striking mechanics where short warning cam lobe lifts rack hook without allowing rack drop creating single-strike sequence, adjusting gathering pallet position through rotation on friction-fit arbor aligning deep notch with rack hook fall point, and verifying proper strike sequence coordination ensuring bird door operation and warning timing remain correct after adjustment. The key to successful half-hour strike correction is recognizing that gathering pallet must position its deepest cam notch precisely under rack hook pin when rack hook falls beneath rack creating complete positive lock preventing marginal engagement that allows intermittent slippage while understanding adjustment may require movement removal from case providing access to hold star wheel stationary during gathering pallet rotation preventing simultaneous arbor rotation defeating adjustment attempts.

Understanding Cuckoo Strike Mechanics

Rack-and-Snail Hour Striking

Hour striking uses rack-and-snail mechanism controlling strike count. Behind snail on cannon pinion is cam with two lobes - tall lobe for hour and short lobe for half-hour. On hour, tall lobe lifts rack hook high unlocking strike train. This allows rack to fall until rack tail contacts snail. Snail has twelve steps corresponding to hours. Rack drops different distances depending on snail step height determining strike count.

Gathering pallet then rotates gathering rack teeth one per revolution. Each gathered tooth produces one strike. After last tooth is gathered, rack hook falls beneath rack locking train. The number of gathered teeth equals number of strikes matching hour indicated by snail position. This rack-and-snail system provides automatic strike correction ensuring proper count even if hands are moved arbitrarily.

System relies on complete train lock after gathering final rack tooth. Incomplete lock allows train to continue rotating producing extra unwanted strikes. For hour striking with multiple teeth to gather, incomplete lock creates over-striking where clock strikes more than proper hour count. However, manifestation is different for half-hour striking where only single tooth should be gathered.

Half-Hour Single Strike

Half-hour striking differs fundamentally from hour striking. Short warning cam lobe lifts rack hook only slightly - enough to unlock train but not enough to allow rack to drop. Rack remains engaged with rack hook throughout half-hour sequence. Gathering pallet makes exactly one revolution producing single strike. After this revolution, rack hook should fall back beneath rack locking train preventing further rotation.

The critical distinction is that rack doesn't fall and rise during half-hour. It remains stationary. Only rack hook movement occurs - lifting slightly to unlock train then dropping to relock after single gathering pallet revolution. This simpler sequence should be inherently reliable. However, incomplete train lock creates double striking where gathering pallet makes second revolution before train finally locks.

Observing half-hour double strike reveals characteristic pattern. Door opens, bird emerges, single cuckoo call occurs, door closes. Then door immediately reopens, bird emerges again, second cuckoo call occurs, door closes. This complete cycle repetition indicates train locked briefly after first strike then slipped allowing second strike. Contrast with normal hour striking where door remains open throughout multiple strikes. The repetitive open-close-open sequence confirms incomplete initial locking.

Gathering Pallet Bean-Cam Function

Gathering pallet has bean-shaped cam with deep notch on one side. Rack hook has pin riding on cam edge as gathering pallet rotates. During striking, pin rides on high cam surface. After final tooth is gathered, rack hook falls beneath rack. This fall should position rack hook pin at deepest point of cam notch. Pin dropping into deep notch prevents further gathering pallet rotation locking train positively.

However, if gathering pallet is positioned incorrectly on arbor, cam notch doesn't align with rack hook pin when pin attempts to drop. Pin contacts cam surface partway up notch rather than at bottom. This creates marginal lock where pin rests on sloped cam surface rather than settling into notch bottom. Marginal lock sometimes holds preventing further rotation. Other times pin slips up slope allowing gathering pallet to continue rotating producing extra strike.

The intermittent nature of problem stems from variable conditions affecting whether marginal lock holds. Strike weight tension varies throughout winding cycle. Faster striking with higher weight tension creates more momentum making slippage more likely. Slower striking with lower tension allows marginal lock to hold more reliably. This explains why problem may disappear after winding then reappear hours later as weight descends and striking speed increases.

Diagnosing Incomplete Train Lock

Observing Rack Hook Pin Position

Remove dial and hands accessing front of movement. Position minute hand so movement is at rest between striking periods. Observe rack hook pin position in gathering pallet cam notch. Pin should rest at absolute bottom of notch creating obvious deep engagement. If pin rests partway up notch sides, gathering pallet positioning is incorrect creating incomplete lock responsible for double striking.

Compare pin position after hour striking versus after manual manipulation. After normal hour strike, observe where pin settles. It should be at notch bottom. Manually lift rack hook slightly simulating strike sequence watching pin position as rack hook drops. Pin should fall to same deep position. If it doesn't, gathering pallet requires adjustment. Consistent deep pin engagement indicates proper positioning.

Photograph pin position for reference during adjustment. Good lighting and magnification help seeing exact pin location in notch. The notch is small and pin position differences are subtle. However, difference between pin at notch bottom versus halfway up slope is functionally significant. Documentation helps evaluating whether adjustment improved positioning before reassembling movement and waiting hours to see if problem recurs.

Understanding Lock Sensitivity

Rack hook and gathering pallet locking is extremely sensitive. Touching rack hook with finger moving it slightly outward from beneath rack immediately releases train allowing striking. This sensitivity is intentional enabling reliable strike initiation. However, it also means incomplete lock from poor pin positioning creates unreliable operation where slight vibration or momentum variation allows slippage.

Test lock security by gently touching various movement components while observing rack hook. Clock should not initiate striking from normal handling or case movement. If touching case or nearby components triggers striking, lock is marginal indicating gathering pallet positioning problem. Proper deep pin engagement in cam notch creates positive lock resistant to normal disturbances.

Variable weight tension throughout winding cycle affects lock reliability. When freshly wound, heavy chain weight creates slower more controlled striking. Lower momentum makes marginal lock more likely to hold. As weight descends over days, less chain weight creates faster striking with more momentum. This increased speed makes marginal lock prone to slipping. Pattern where problem appears hours after winding confirms weight-related striking speed variation interacting with marginal lock condition.

Eliminating Other Causes

Before adjusting gathering pallet, verify problem isn't from other causes. Excessive oil on rack hook or gathering pallet cam creates slippery conditions preventing reliable engagement. Clean accumulated oil using solvent and minimal fresh oil application. Oil should be on pivot points not on locking surfaces. Excess oil indicates prior over-lubrication requiring complete cleaning for reliable operation.

Check rack hook spring tension. Weak spring doesn't pull rack hook firmly beneath rack. This creates unreliable locking regardless of gathering pallet position. Rack hook should snap decisively beneath rack when released. Sluggish movement indicates weak spring requiring replacement or adjustment. However, rack hook spring problems typically affect both hour and half-hour striking. Problem isolated to half-hour suggests gathering pallet positioning rather than spring issues.

Verify dial and hands aren't interfering with movement operation. If problem disappears with dial removed but returns after installation, interference exists. Brad nails holding dial may protrude interfering with gathering pallet or rack movement. Dial warping may cause rubbing. However, mechanical interference typically creates consistent problems rather than intermittent issues appearing hours after winding suggesting gathering pallet positioning is primary cause.

Gathering Pallet Adjustment

Accessing Gathering Pallet

Gathering pallet adjustment requires rotating cam on arbor. However, attempting this with movement in case is difficult. Gathering pallet arbor extends through movement with gear on back side. Rotating gathering pallet from front simultaneously rotates gear and arbor defeating adjustment. Proper adjustment requires holding back gear stationary while rotating front gathering pallet or removing movement from case providing access to both sides.

If attempting adjustment in case, use small screwdriver applying gentle pressure to gathering pallet cam edge. Slight rotation may achieve proper positioning if friction fit is loose enough. However, this approach risks disturbing other timing relationships if gathering pallet rotates on arbor rather than arbor rotating in bushings. Preferred method removes movement allowing controlled adjustment with verification.

Movement removal from case is straightforward following systematic procedure. Remove hands first carefully preserving hand fit on arbors. Disconnect bird wire from cuckoo door - very important preventing wire damage during movement removal. Remove bellows wires by prying eyelets slightly open on levers not by bending wires. Remove bellows using one screw and one nail each. Twist open chain links removing rings and hooks. Remove four mounting screws. Lift movement carefully pulling chains through bottom case holes.

Rotation Procedure

With movement removed, access both front and back. Hold star wheel on back plate stationary preventing arbor rotation. Use fingers or soft tool avoiding damage to wheel teeth or delicate components. With star wheel held firmly, apply gentle pressure to gathering pallet cam using fingers or smooth tool. Gathering pallet should rotate on arbor with modest resistance from friction fit.

Rotate gathering pallet incrementally testing position after small movements. Don't make large rotation then test. Move cam slightly - perhaps one-sixteenth turn. Position rack hook beneath rack. Observe whether rack hook pin drops deeper into cam notch. Continue incremental rotation and testing until pin reaches absolute notch bottom. This patient iterative approach prevents over-adjustment requiring reverse correction.

If gathering pallet won't rotate despite firm star wheel holding, friction fit may be extremely tight. Excessive force risks damaging components. Consider movement disassembly accessing gathering pallet arbor for controlled adjustment. However, most gathering pallets are friction fit specifically allowing position adjustment without disassembly. Persistent gentle pressure typically succeeds rotating pallet to proper position.

Verifying Proper Position

After adjustment, verify rack hook pin position at rest. Pin should be at absolute bottom of gathering pallet cam notch creating maximum depth engagement. Compare to pre-adjustment photographs confirming improved positioning. However, static position verification alone is insufficient. Test dynamic operation ensuring proper strike sequence coordination.

Manually operate strike train observing complete sequence. Advance minute hand to half-hour position initiating strike. Watch gathering pallet rotation and rack hook engagement throughout sequence. After single strike, rack hook should fall beneath rack with pin dropping decisively into deep cam notch position. Train should lock positively without hesitation. Repeat test multiple times confirming consistent operation.

Test hour striking verifying adjustment didn't disrupt normal operation. Advance to hour position watching full strike sequence. Rack should drop onto snail, gathering pallet should gather all teeth, and rack hook should fall beneath rack at completion with pin at notch bottom. If hour striking now has problems, gathering pallet adjustment was excessive or improper requiring readjustment. However, small gathering pallet rotation typically doesn't affect hour striking coordination.

Strike Sequence Coordination

Bird Door Operation

Bird door timing coordinates with striking through star wheel and lever mechanisms. Gathering pallet rotation drives star wheel advancing it incrementally. Star wheel cam surfaces operate levers controlling bird platform and door. On half-hour, single gathering pallet revolution produces single star wheel advancement creating one door opening and bird emergence. After strike, bird retracts and door closes as star wheel completes positioning.

Gathering pallet adjustment shouldn't affect bird door timing significantly. Small cam rotation changes locking point but doesn't alter star wheel drive relationship. However, verify door operation after adjustment confirming proper coordination. Door should open before first cuckoo call, remain open during call, then close after bird retracts. If door timing changes, star wheel may require position adjustment compensating for gathering pallet rotation.

If door remains closed during striking or opens at wrong time, star wheel position needs correction. Star wheels are friction fit on arbors allowing rotation for timing adjustment. However, this is separate adjustment from gathering pallet positioning. Address gathering pallet locking first establishing reliable strike count. Then adjust star wheel if door timing is incorrect. Sequential systematic adjustment prevents confusion about which change affected which function.

Warning Timing

Warning occurs several minutes before striking allowing strike train partial rotation preparing for strike release. Warning cam on minute arbor lifts rack hook slightly unlocking train. Train rotates until reaching warning stop position. At exact strike time, final cam action fully releases train initiating striking. This warning period ensures immediate positive striking when release occurs rather than delayed sluggish start from complete rest.

Gathering pallet adjustment doesn't affect warning timing directly. Warning is controlled by cam on minute arbor and rack hook interaction. However, if gathering pallet positioning creates excessive train drag from binding, warning operation may be affected. After adjustment, verify warning occurs quietly without excessive noise or vibration. Train should advance smoothly to warning stop position without stalling or erratic movement.

Excessive pre-warning noise suggests gathering pallet or other strike train components are binding. This indicates cleaning needed rather than adjustment alone. Warning should be barely audible gentle mechanical sound. Loud clicking, grinding, or continuous noise indicates friction problems requiring attention. Proper gathering pallet positioning combined with clean well-lubricated movement creates quiet reliable warning operation.

Cuckoo Call Sequence

Proper cuckoo call sequence is "cuck-oo" with two distinct tones. Gathering pallet rotation controls bellows lifting through cam and lever arrangements. First gathering pallet revolution produces complete two-tone call. If gathering pallet positioning is correct preventing double striking, single complete call occurs on half-hour. Gathering pallet adjustment changing locking point shouldn't affect call sequence tone timing.

However, observe call sequence after adjustment confirming proper bellows operation. If adjustment somehow disrupted timing relationships, call sequence may change to "cuck-cuck-oo-oo" or other incorrect pattern. This indicates star wheel or other timing components need adjustment. But typically gathering pallet rotation of small amount necessary for locking correction doesn't create call sequence problems.

If call sequence is disrupted after gathering pallet adjustment, movement requires systematic timing restoration. This complex procedure involves coordinating gathering pallet, star wheels, and various levers ensuring all operations occur in proper sequence. However, this extensive work is rarely necessary from modest gathering pallet rotation correcting locking position. Most adjustments only affect final locking point without disturbing established timing relationships throughout strike cycle.

Reassembly and Testing

Movement Installation

Reinstall movement in case reversing removal procedure. Feed chains through bottom case holes carefully preventing tangling. Position movement on mounting brackets aligning screw holes. Install four mounting screws tightening securely but avoiding excessive force that cracks case wood. Movement should sit firmly without rocking or shifting in case.

Reinstall bellows positioning correctly. Lower bellows wire is longer connecting to right-hand bellows. Upper bellows wire is shorter connecting to left-hand bellows. Each bellows mounts with one screw and one nail. If bellows were glued, reapply minimal adhesive at screw and nail locations. Excessive glue complicates future service. Properly positioned screws and nails provide adequate retention without adhesive.

Reconnect bellows wires to levers. Pry eyelets open slightly inserting wire ends then squeeze closed using smooth pliers. Don't bend wires attempting to install in closed eyelets - this deforms wires creating improper geometry. After wire installation, verify smooth bellows operation throughout strike sequence. Bellows should lift and fall freely without binding or interference with surrounding components.

Chain and Weight Installation

Install chains through case bottom holes feeding upward to movement chain wheels. Twist chain links open installing rings and hooks. Close links securely preventing separation during operation. Verify chains hang straight without twisting or tangling. Crossed chains create friction reducing running time and potentially causing operational problems.

Attach weights to chain hooks verifying correct weight on each chain. Time weight is typically smallest. Strike weight is larger. If three-weight movement, music weight is usually medium size. Incorrect weight placement creates operational problems. Too-light strike weight causes sluggish unreliable striking. Too-heavy strike weight accelerates wear. Verify weight sizes match original specifications.

Wind chains partially testing operation before installing pendulum and hands. Clock should tick normally and advance through warning and striking cycles. Listen for unusual noises indicating problems. Observe movements through dial opening confirming smooth operation. This preliminary testing before final assembly prevents discovering problems only after complete reassembly when correction requires partial disassembly.

Extended Operation Testing

After successful preliminary testing, install hands and dial completing reassembly. Set time accurately positioning minute hand to trigger striking. Verify both hour and half-hour striking operate correctly. Half-hour should produce exactly one cuckoo call. Hour should produce count matching time. Door operation should be smooth and coordinated.

Allow clock to run extended period monitoring for problem recurrence. Double half-hour striking often appears hours after service when weight descends increasing striking speed. Run clock at least twenty-four hours observing each half-hour strike. If problem doesn't recur during this period, adjustment was successful. However, continued monitoring over several days provides additional confidence.

If double striking recurs, gathering pallet position requires further adjustment. Remove movement repeating adjustment procedure. Rotate gathering pallet slightly further in same direction creating deeper pin engagement. This iterative refinement eventually achieves position creating reliable consistent locking. Patience during adjustment and testing process ensures long-term successful repair rather than temporary improvement followed by problem recurrence.

FAQs

Why does my cuckoo clock strike twice on half-hour but correctly on hour?

Cuckoo clock double striking on half-hour while striking correct hour counts indicates gathering pallet bean-cam positioned incorrectly on arbor preventing complete strike train locking where rack hook pin rests high in cam notch rather than at bottom creating marginal lock that sometimes holds but often slips permitting additional strike revolution. Half-hour striking uses short warning cam lobe lifting rack hook only slightly unlocking train but not allowing rack to drop where gathering pallet makes exactly one revolution producing single strike. After this revolution rack hook should fall back beneath rack locking train but if gathering pallet cam notch doesn't align with rack hook pin fall the pin contacts cam surface partway up notch creating marginal engagement. This incomplete lock sometimes prevents further rotation but other times pin slips up slope allowing gathering pallet to continue rotating producing extra strike. Characteristic pattern is door opening bird emerging single cuckoo call door closing then door immediately reopening bird emerging again second call door closing confirming train locked briefly after first strike then slipped allowing second strike. Solution requires rotating gathering pallet on friction-fit arbor aligning deep cam notch with rack hook fall point where pin drops to absolute notch bottom creating positive lock preventing further rotation.

How do I adjust gathering pallet position?

Adjust gathering pallet position by removing movement from case providing access to hold star wheel on back plate stationary while rotating front gathering pallet cam on arbor. Remove hands disconnect bird wire from cuckoo door remove bellows wires by prying eyelets open remove bellows twist open chain links and remove four mounting screws lifting movement carefully. With movement removed hold star wheel firmly preventing arbor rotation then apply gentle pressure to gathering pallet cam using fingers or smooth tool where gathering pallet should rotate on arbor with modest resistance from friction fit. Rotate gathering pallet incrementally testing position after small movements making one-sixteenth turn adjustments positioning rack hook beneath rack observing whether rack hook pin drops deeper into cam notch. Continue incremental rotation and testing until pin reaches absolute notch bottom creating maximum depth engagement. Verify static pin position comparing to pre-adjustment photographs then test dynamic operation manually operating strike train observing complete sequence where after single strike rack hook should fall beneath rack with pin dropping decisively into deep cam notch. Test multiple times confirming consistent operation then verify hour striking wasn't disrupted by adjustment before reinstalling movement in case.

Can I fix double half-hour striking without removing movement?

Attempting gathering pallet adjustment with movement in case is difficult because gathering pallet arbor extends through movement with gear on back side where rotating gathering pallet from front simultaneously rotates gear and arbor defeating adjustment purpose. Use small screwdriver applying gentle pressure to gathering pallet cam edge attempting slight rotation but this approach risks disturbing other timing relationships if gathering pallet rotates on arbor rather than arbor rotating in bushings. Preferred method removes movement allowing controlled adjustment with verification holding back gear stationary. However, if gathering pallet friction fit is loose enough modest front pressure may achieve proper positioning. Test after attempted adjustment observing whether rack hook pin position in cam notch improved dropping deeper creating more positive engagement. If adjustment succeeds preventing double striking, in-case adjustment was adequate. If problem persists or worsens, movement removal is necessary for proper controlled adjustment. Balance convenience of in-case adjustment attempt against risk of inadequate correction or timing disruption requiring movement removal anyway. For reliable long-term repair, movement removal providing full access is recommended approach ensuring proper gathering pallet positioning with verification.

Why does problem appear hours after winding then disappear?

Problem appearing hours after winding then disappearing after winding again indicates variable striking speed throughout winding cycle interacting with marginal gathering pallet lock position. When freshly wound heavy chain weight creates slower more controlled striking where lower momentum makes marginal lock more likely to hold preventing double striking. As weight descends over days less chain weight creates faster striking with more momentum where increased speed makes marginal lock prone to slipping allowing gathering pallet to continue rotating for second strike. Winding clock restores heavy chain weight returning to slower striking where marginal lock holds again temporarily correcting problem. However, underlying cause remains where gathering pallet cam notch doesn't align properly with rack hook pin creating incomplete engagement. Solution requires gathering pallet position adjustment rather than relying on winding cycle variations to mask problem. Proper deep pin engagement in cam notch creates positive lock resistant to striking speed variations ensuring reliable single strike on half-hour regardless of weight position or striking momentum. After correct gathering pallet positioning, problem shouldn't recur even when weight descends to lowest position creating fastest striking speed as positive lock withstands momentum variations throughout normal operational range.

Will gathering pallet adjustment affect hour striking or bird operation?

Small gathering pallet rotation necessary for locking correction typically doesn't affect hour striking coordination or bird door timing because adjustment changes final locking point position but doesn't alter star wheel drive relationship or rack gathering sequence. Hour striking drops rack onto snail gathering all teeth then locking when rack hook falls beneath rack where if gathering pallet positioned correctly pin drops to cam notch bottom regardless of how many teeth were gathered. Bird door timing coordinates with striking through star wheel advanced by gathering pallet rotation where small cam rotation changes locking point but doesn't alter star wheel positioning during active striking phase. However, verify complete operation after adjustment confirming proper coordination through manual testing advancing to both hour and half-hour positions observing strike sequences. If hour striking or door timing changed after adjustment, gathering pallet rotation may have been excessive or star wheel may require position correction compensating. Typically modest gathering pallet rotation of one-sixteenth to one-eighth turn sufficing for locking correction doesn't create timing disruptions. Larger rotations approaching quarter turn or more may affect timing relationships requiring additional adjustments restoring proper coordination. Sequential systematic adjustment prevents confusion where you address gathering pallet locking first establishing reliable strike count then adjust star wheel if door timing needs correction.

What if clock has excessive oil causing slippery locking?

Excessive oil on rack hook or gathering pallet cam creates slippery conditions preventing reliable engagement regardless of gathering pallet positioning where oil should be on pivot points not on locking surfaces. Clean accumulated oil using solvent and minimal fresh oil application where presence of excess oil particularly oil drops visible on levers or cam surfaces indicates prior over-lubrication requiring complete movement cleaning for reliable operation. Remove movement from case disassembling strike train components cleaning all parts thoroughly in appropriate solvent removing old degraded oil and accumulated dirt. Dry completely then reassemble with minimal fresh clock oil applied only to pivot holes and bearing surfaces. Locking surfaces including rack hook bottom surface gathering pallet cam surface and rack teeth should be clean and dry without oil. After proper cleaning and lubrication reestablish gathering pallet positioning ensuring rack hook pin drops to cam notch bottom creating positive dry metal-to-metal engagement. Oil on locking surfaces reduces friction that provides positive engagement creating unreliable operation where lock may hold under some conditions but slip under others. Proper cleaning eliminates this variable establishing consistent reliable locking regardless of striking speed weight position or minor vibrations allowing gathering pallet position adjustment to succeed creating lasting correction rather than temporary improvement degraded by continuing oil contamination.

How do I know if gathering pallet position is correct?

Verify correct gathering pallet position by observing rack hook pin location in cam notch when strike train is at rest where pin should be at absolute bottom of notch creating maximum depth engagement with obvious clearance from notch edges. Compare pin position after hour striking versus after manual manipulation confirming consistent deep engagement. Photograph pin position for reference during adjustment where good lighting and magnification help seeing exact pin location. Test lock security by gently touching various movement components observing whether normal handling triggers striking - properly positioned gathering pallet creates positive lock resistant to normal disturbances. Manually operate strike train observing complete sequence advancing minute hand to half-hour position where after single strike rack hook should fall beneath rack with pin dropping decisively into deep cam notch and train locking positively without hesitation. Repeat test multiple times confirming consistent operation. Extended operation testing running clock at least twenty-four hours observing each half-hour strike confirms adjustment success where if problem doesn't recur during this period gathering pallet position is correct. However, if double striking returns hours later particularly as weight descends, pin engagement remains marginal requiring further gathering pallet rotation creating deeper engagement until reliable consistent locking achieved throughout complete winding cycle.