Why Proper Wheel Installation and Pivot Alignment Matter
Correct wheel installation ensures that every arbor sits squarely in its bush and that both the time and strike trains run freely. Misalignment during assembly can cause binding, bent pivots, or a movement that refuses to run. As explained in our guide on testing a clock train during reassembly, smooth wheel freedom is essential before final plate tightening.
Preparing the Movement After Rebushing
All bushings must be perpendicular. When the plates are held upright, each wheel should stand straight rather than leaning or wobbling. If any wheel sits at an angle, the bushing must be corrected before assembly.
Installing the Strike Train
Placing the Great Wheel
Position the great wheel in its pivot hole and align the rear pivot with the bush.
Installing T1
Insert T1 into its pivot location. If the movement was not rebushed, the wheel may flop; this is normal.
Stabilizing Wheels with Blu Tack
How to Apply Blu Tack
Roll a small piece into a soft pad. Press it onto the wheel face, then press the other end onto the plate to hold the wheel upright. Repeat for T3 or any wheel that shifts during assembly. Blu Tack does not leave residue on wheels or plates.
Installing the Remaining Strike Train Wheels
Installing T3
Insert T3 into its pivot and stabilize it with Blu Tack.
Preparing the Top Plate
Fit the winding arbor through its hole, lower the top plate slightly, and install a nut on the lower pillar to prevent shifting.
Aligning the Strike Train Pivots
Hold the plates loosely together and use a pivot alignment tool to seat each pivot: T1, T2, and T3. Each pivot should click or drop into place. Install a nut on the upper pillar and remove the Blu Tack.
Verifying Strike Train Freedom
Spin T1. All wheels should rotate freely without hesitation or binding. If they do not, recheck each pivot for proper seating and confirm that none of the wheels are rubbing against the plates or neighboring wheels.
Installing the Time Train
Reinstalling T1 and T3
Insert T1 and T3 and secure each with Blu Tack. Ensure both wheels stand upright.
Installing the Strike Train Wheels (S‑Series)
S1
Install S1 under the appropriate plate section.
S2 (Maintenance Cam)
Insert S2 into its pivot and stabilize it with Blu Tack.
S3 (Warning Wheel)
Insert S3 into its pivot. Do not install the fly yet; it is set after the three critical strike‑train adjustments.
Installing the Escape Wheel
Insert the escape wheel into its pivot. The long arbor must be seated correctly before other pivots will align.
Lowering and Securing the Top Plate
Lower the top plate over the winding arbors. Install a nut on the upper pillar and tighten two or three turns. Install a nut on the lower pillar.
Final Pivot Alignment
Time Side
Align T1, the escape wheel, T2, and T3. Remove Blu Tack as each wheel is secured.
Strike Side
Align S1, S2, and S3. If any wheel drops out, reseat it and continue.
Final Checks Before Tightening
Spin T1 and S1. All wheels should move freely. Confirm no wheels bind when the plates are lightly tightened and ensure all wheels stand perpendicular in their bushings.
Common Mistakes
Over‑tightening nuts before pivots are seated, forgetting to remove Blu Tack, installing the fly too early, misaligning the escape wheel arbor, or applying uneven pressure to the plates.
Troubleshooting
Wheels flop during assembly
Apply Blu Tack to the wheel face, not the arbor.
Escape wheel won’t seat
Align the long arbor first; the rest will follow.
Wheels bind after tightening
Loosen the nuts, realign pivots, and retighten gradually.
Strike train wheels drop out
Reapply Blu Tack to S2 or S3 and reseat the pivots.
FAQs
Is Blu Tack safe to use inside a clock movement?
Yes. It leaves no residue and is removed before final assembly.
Why do wheels flop around during assembly?
Because the top plate is not yet installed. Blu Tack stabilizes them.
Why is the escape wheel arbor so long?
American kitchen clocks often use extended arbors; they must be aligned first.
What order should pivots be aligned in?
Bottom to top, alternating between time and strike sides.
Why do wheels bind after tightening the plates?
A pivot is misaligned. Loosen the nuts, realign, and retighten.
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