Why Pegging Bushings and Lantern Pinions Matters
Pegging is one of the most important cleaning steps in clock restoration. Even after ultrasonic cleaning or manual scrubbing, pivot holes and lantern pinions retain compacted dirt, oxidized oil, and abrasive residue. This contamination increases friction, accelerates pivot wear, and prevents the train from running freely. Pegging restores the interior surfaces of bushings and pinions, ensuring that pivots rotate smoothly and that the movement receives full power. If you have not yet cleaned the plates and wheels, see our guide on deep cleaning clock plates and wheels.
How to Peg Out Clock Bushings
Preparing the Pegwood
Pegwood is shaped to a sharp point so it can reach into the pivot hole and scrub the interior surface. The point must be firm enough to remove residue but soft enough not to scratch the brass. As the tip becomes dirty, it is trimmed and reshaped to maintain effectiveness. Pegwood should be replaced frequently during the process.
Cleaning the Pivot Hole
The sharpened pegwood is inserted into the bushing and rotated while applying light pressure. Dark residue will appear on the tip almost immediately, even if the plate looks clean from the outside. The process is repeated until the pegwood emerges clean. This ensures that the pivot hole is free of abrasive material that would otherwise damage the pivot during operation.
Inspecting the Cleaned Bushing
Once pegged, the bushing should appear bright and free of discoloration. If the hole still shows dark rings or residue, additional pegging is required. Pegging also makes it easier to identify oval wear, which may not be visible until the interior surface is clean. If the bushing is worn, see our guide on inspecting pivots and determining when bushings must be replaced.
How to Peg Out Lantern Pinions
Understanding Lantern Pinion Construction
Lantern pinions consist of two end caps connected by hardened steel trundles. Dirt accumulates between the trundles, forming a gritty paste that increases friction and accelerates wear. Pegging removes this contamination and restores smooth rotation.
Cleaning Between the Trundles
Pegwood is shaped into a narrow point and inserted between the trundles. The pinion is rotated while the pegwood scrubs the surfaces. This process is repeated for each gap between the trundles. The pegwood will darken quickly as it removes compacted residue. Fresh pegwood is used as needed until all surfaces are clean.
Inspecting the Lantern Pinion
After pegging, the trundles should appear bright and free of buildup. Any remaining dark patches indicate areas that require additional cleaning. Properly cleaned lantern pinions rotate freely and transmit power efficiently through the train.
Why Pegging Must Be Done Before Reassembly
Preventing Premature Wear
Dirty bushings and pinions act like grinding compounds, wearing pivots and reducing the lifespan of the movement. Pegging removes abrasive residue and ensures that the pivots run on clean brass surfaces.
Ensuring Accurate Diagnosis
Worn bushings are easier to identify after pegging. Dirt can mask oval wear, making a bushing appear round when it is not. Pegging reveals the true condition of the pivot hole so that necessary repairs are not overlooked.
Improving Train Efficiency
A fully pegged movement runs with noticeably less friction. This improves power transmission, reduces the load on the mainspring, and helps the clock maintain accurate time once reassembled.
FAQs
Can I use toothpicks instead of pegwood?
No. Toothpicks are too soft and leave fibers behind. Pegwood is the correct material for cleaning bushings and pinions.
How often should bushings be pegged?
Every time a movement is serviced. Pegging is a standard part of the cleaning process and should never be skipped.
Do I peg bushings before or after cleaning the plates?
After cleaning. Pegging removes the residue that cleaning solutions cannot reach.
Should I oil bushings after pegging?
No. Bushings are oiled only after the movement is fully assembled and tested.
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