This lesson covers the complete process of pegging out lantern pinions and bushings after cleaning the movement. Pegging removes embedded dirt that cleaning solutions and brushes cannot reach. This step is essential for preventing premature wear, ensuring smooth power transmission, and preparing the movement for inspection and reassembly.
If you are following along with a full restoration sequence, you may also find it helpful to review related guides such as the Vienna Regulator restoration or the Ingraham 8-Day movement repair.
Tools for pegging out clock parts
Boxwood pegwood
Traditionally, clockmakers use boxwood pegwood for pegging out. It is soft enough to clean brass without scratching and firm enough to remove embedded dirt.
Toothpicks and shish kebab sticks
For beginners or those without pegwood, toothpicks and shish kebab sticks can be used. However, the wood is much harder and must be softened before use to avoid burnishing the bushings instead of cleaning them.
Preparing makeshift tools
To soften the tips of toothpicks or kebab sticks, roughen them with 80‑grit sandpaper or scrape them with a razor blade. This creates a fibrous surface that grips dirt instead of polishing it.
Pegging out lantern pinions
Understanding lantern pinions
A lantern pinion consists of two end caps connected by several small wires called trundles. Dirt often accumulates between the trundles, affecting power transmission and causing wear.
Cleaning between the trundles
Insert the softened tip of the kebab stick between the trundles and rub back and forth two or three times. Rotate the wheel and repeat for each gap. Even after thorough cleaning, you may still see small amounts of dirt on the stick.
Repeating for all wheels
Perform this process on every lantern pinion in the movement. Removing this hidden dirt prevents it from mixing with fresh oil and forming an abrasive compound.
Pegging out bushings in the plates
Using the toothpick for small bushings
Many bushings are too small for a kebab stick. Use the softened toothpick to clean these. Insert the tip into the bushing and rotate it several times. A dark line on the toothpick indicates dirt removal.
Cleaning both sides of each bushing
Turn the plate over and repeat the process from the opposite side. This ensures the entire bushing is free of debris.
Cleaning larger bushings
For larger bushings, use the kebab stick. Insert, rotate, and inspect the stick for dirt. Continue until the stick comes out clean.
Why pegging is essential
If dirt remains inside a bushing, it mixes with oil and becomes a grinding compound. This wears out the brass bushings far faster than the steel pivots. Pegging prevents this and ensures long-term reliability.
Using tack putty for final debris removal
White tac or Blu‑Tack
White tac or Blu‑Tack is a low-cost alternative to Radico, commonly used in watchmaking. It is excellent for lifting fine debris from wheels and escape wheel teeth.
How to use tack putty
Press the putty onto the wheel surface and between the teeth. Any remaining dirt will stick to the putty without leaving residue on the brass.
Inspecting the results
After lifting debris, inspect the wheel. A clean wheel will show no residue, and the putty will show only small traces of dirt if the initial cleaning was effective.
Final checks before moving on
Confirming cleanliness
Once all lantern pinions and bushings are pegged out and wheels have been treated with tack putty, the movement is ready for pivot inspection and bushing evaluation. This ensures accurate assessment of wear and prevents misdiagnosis caused by hidden dirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should bushings be pegged out during a restoration?
Every time a movement is disassembled. Pegging is a mandatory step before oiling and reassembly.
Can I use metal tools instead of wood for pegging?
No. Metal tools will scratch, enlarge, or distort bushings. Only wood should be used.
Is Blu‑Tack safe for antique brass wheels?
Yes. It lifts debris without leaving residue or damaging the brass surface.
Do I need to peg out bushings if the movement looks clean?
Yes. Dirt inside bushings is often invisible and becomes abrasive once oil is added.
What happens if I skip pegging?
The movement may run, but wear will accelerate dramatically, leading to oval bushings and poor timekeeping.
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