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BASIC/BEGINNER TOOLS (Already in Most Toolboxes)
General Hand Tools
Screwdrivers (Regular Toolbox Items)
- Regular flat-head screwdrivers (various sizes)
- Phillips head screwdrivers
- Small precision screwdrivers
Pliers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Flat-nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Diagonal cutters
Hammers
- Regular claw hammer
- Ball peen hammer (small)
Files
- Standard metal files
- India sharpening stone (for sharpening screwdriver tips)
Other Basic Items
- Flashlight or work lamp
- Ruler and measuring tape
- Small containers for organizing parts
- Clean rags and lint-free cloths
- Toothpicks and cotton swabs
ESSENTIAL CLOCK-SPECIFIC TOOLS (Beginner Level)
Magnification
Magnifying glasses or loupes are vital for inspecting tiny details and finding flaws in clock mechanisms. They help identify problems, assess wear and tear, and perform accurate repairs.
Options:
- Eye loupe (10x magnification) - $5-15
- Head-mounted magnifying visor - $15-40
- Illuminated magnifying lamp (circular fluorescent with magnifying glass in center) - $30-100
Clock Screwdrivers
Screwdriver sets are fundamental tools for clockmakers. Clock screws come in different sizes and shapes, so precise screwdrivers are necessary to avoid damaging delicate parts. A good set usually has interchangeable tips for versatility.
Specific types needed:
- Rotating top screwdrivers (7-piece set, 6.5" long) - $20-40
- Long screwdrivers (6-piece set) - Perfect for reaching into mantel and cuckoo clock cases - $25-45
- Multi-tip screwdriver with interchangeable tips stored in handle - $15-30
Tweezers
Tweezers are crucial for handling small and delicate clock components. The preference for tweezers are those with fine tips and anti-magnetic properties as they allow precise handling without risking magnetizing sensitive parts.
Types:
- Fine-tipped tweezers (anti-magnetic)
- Medium tweezers
- Bent-tip tweezers (for hard-to-reach areas)
- Set of 3-5 tweezers: $10-30
Winding and Let-Down Keys
Clock winding keys - Assortment from size 000 to 16 - $20-40 for complete set
Let-down key - Essential for safely releasing power from mainsprings before disassembly - $25-45
- Available with interchangeable inserts (5mm to 12mm)
- Prevents dangerous spring release
Hand Removal Tools
Hand remover/puller - Uses spring pressure to remove clock hands without damaging dial
- Basic version: $8-15
- Professional version with fiber tips (won't mar dial): $20-40
Movement Holders and Stands
Movement test stand - Holds clock movements securely while working - $30-60
Hanging assembly for movements - Allows testing weight-driven movements - $35-50
Basic Cleaning Supplies
- Clock cleaning solution or naphtha
- Small brushes (old toothbrushes, small paint brushes)
- Pegwood (orangewood sticks for cleaning pivot holes)
- Cotton swabs
- Cleaning pans or jars
INTERMEDIATE TOOLS (Serious Hobbyist Level)
Bushing and Pivot Tools
Broaches - For reaming out pivot holes to install bushings
- Set of various sizes: $40-80
- Pin vise to hold broaches (set of 4, capacities 0mm to 4.65mm): $15-30
Pivot hole closers - Set of 7 closing punches to make oblong pivot holes round again (alternative to bushing) - $50-80
Staking set - Anvils and stakes for clockmakers (16-piece set)
- Includes flat-faced hollow punches, round-faced hollow punches
- Large hardened steel anvil with graduated holes
- In wooden storage case: $150-300
Pivot locator - Helps find center of pivot holes - $7-15
Mainspring Tools
Mainspring winder - Essential for safely winding mainsprings into barrels
Options:
- Webster mainspring winder: $85-100 (most popular for clocks)
- Accu-Winder: $180-200 (preferred by some professionals)
- Keystone mainspring winder: $240-260 (professional grade)
Specialized Hand Tools
Hand setting tools - Brass body with nylon tips (3-piece set with different hole sizes)
- Prevents scratching dials when installing hands - $15-25
Gear and pinion pullers - Various styles
- Basic economical version: $8-12
- Heavy-duty version: $30-40
- 4" pry bar set with knurled handles: $15-25
Files and Cutting Tools
Needle file set (12 assorted shapes) - For detailed metal work - $20-40
Crows foot - Specialized clock repair tool - $10-15
Wire bender/bending jig - For making custom parts - $3-10
Measurement Tools
Digital calipers (0-6 inches, reads in mm and inches) - $20-50
Micrometer - For precise measurements of pivots, arbors - $30-80
Depthing tool - Checks proper gear meshing depth - $100-200
Beat timer/rate recorder - Electronic device for checking clock accuracy - $150-400
Additional Precision Tools
Pin vise set - Holds small drills, broaches, pivot wire
- Set of 4 with various capacities: $15-30
Twist drill set (mini, made in USA) - For drilling small holes - $25-35
Pivot reaching tool - Perfect for assembling movements and pushing pivots into holes - $10-20
Plate spreader - Separates clock plates during disassembly - $40-50
Magnetizer/demagnetizer - Magnetizes screwdrivers for easy screw pickup, then demagnetizes - $15-30
ADVANCED/PROFESSIONAL TOOLS
Bushing Equipment
Complete bushing machine (KWM style or American Watchmakers style)
- Drill press adapter
- Spring-loaded jaws
- Center shafts and accessories
- Complete system: $500-2,000+
Bushing cutters - Various sizes for cutting bushings from brass stock - $200-500 for set
Lathe Equipment
Watchmaker's/clockmaker's lathe
- Essential for making custom pivots, arbors, and parts
- Used lathe from NAWCC conventions: $500-3,000
- New professional lathe: $2,000-10,000+
- Collets, cutting tools, and accessories: $500-2,000+
Cleaning Equipment
Ultrasonic cleaner - Professional cleaning machine
- 6-quart L&R machine: $500-600
- Smaller units: $100-300
- Clock cleaning solution: $20-40 per gallon
Specialized Repair Tools
Mainspring gauge - Measures mainspring dimensions accurately - $40-80
Escapement tools - For adjusting and repairing escapements
- Various specialized tools: $50-200 each
Pivot polisher - Polishes worn pivots - $200-400
Wheel and pinion cutter - Makes replacement gears (rare, expensive) - $1,000-5,000+
Turns (turns set) - Traditional watchmaker's lathe for small work - $300-800
Measurement and Testing
Professional beat timer/computer - Advanced timing equipment - $500-2,000
Gear tooth gauge - Identifies module and pitch of gears - $30-60
Mainspring gauge set - Complete measurement system - $60-100
Automatic stethoscope - Listens to clock beat
- Heavy duty with metal probe extending to 11-3/4" - $25-40
Atmos Clock Tools (Specialty)
Complete Atmos repair kit - All specialized tools for 400-day clocks
- Balance tube bending tool
- Suspension wire insertion tube
- Chain hook
- Hand puller
- Balance nut wrenches
- Movement holder
- Complete kit: $150-300
Individual Atmos tools - Various specialized implements - $15-50 each
CONSUMABLE SUPPLIES
Lubrication
Clock oils
- Synthetic clock oil (Moebius 9010 or equivalent) - $10-20 per bottle
- Heavier oils for larger pivots
- Grease for gear teeth and springs
- Oil cups and applicators (hypodermic oilers) - $5-15
Replacement Parts
Suspension springs - Assorted sizes - $10-30
Mainsprings - Various sizes stocked - $5-20 each
Click springs - Assortment - $5-10
Bushings - Brass bushing stock in various sizes - $20-50
Pivot wire - Various diameters for making new pivots - $10-30
Tapered pins - For securing hands and parts - $3-5 per package
Hand nuts - Assortments (American, German, Cuckoo) - $10-20 per set
Miscellaneous
Rodico/cleaning putty - Removes dirt without residue - $5-10
Pivot burnisher - Smooths pivot holes - $20-40
Dust cover/bell jar - Protects work area from dust - $20-50
Parts trays - Compartmentalized storage during disassembly - $5-20
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Books
Essential reading:
- "The Top 300 Trade Secrets of a Master Clockmaker" by Jim Huckabee - $40-60
- Clock repair manuals specific to clock types
- "400 Day Clock Repair Guide" - $60-70
- Movement identification guides
Online Resources
- NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) membership - $50-100/year
- Online courses and video tutorials
- Manufacturer technical manuals
TOOL KITS (Pre-Assembled Options)
Beginner clock repair kit (53 pieces)
- If purchased separately would cost $225+
- Complete kit: $150-180
- Great for students starting out
Professional starter set
- Curated selection of essential tools
- Typically $300-500
TOOL SUPPLIERS
Major Clock Tool Suppliers
VintageClockParts.com - Extensive selection of antique clock parts and good prices
Timesavers.com - Extensive selection, competitive prices, good service
Clockworks.com - Good selection, helpful descriptions
Merritts Antiques & Clocks (LaRose) - Often has lowest prices, good service
Cousins UK - British supplier with quality tools
Black Forest Imports - Excellent service, specializes in German movements
Perrin Supply Ltd - Quality tools and supplies
NAWCC Marketplace - Used tools, member-to-member sales
Price Comparison Tips
- Keep catalogs from multiple suppliers
- Compare prices as there can be significant differences
- Watch for sales and special offers
- Buy used tools at NAWCC conventions (especially lathes)
- Join NAWCC for access to member sales and advice
TOOL INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Stage 1: Absolute Minimum ($100-200)
- Magnification
- Basic screwdrivers
- Tweezers
- Let-down key
- Hand remover
- Cleaning supplies
Stage 2: Serious Hobbyist ($500-1,000)
- Add bushing tools
- Mainspring winder
- Better measurement tools
- Movement stands
- Quality screwdriver sets
Stage 3: Semi-Professional ($2,000-5,000)
- Bushing machine
- Used lathe
- Ultrasonic cleaner
- Complete tool collection
- Extensive parts inventory
Stage 4: Full Professional ($10,000+)
- New lathe with accessories
- Complete bushing system
- Advanced timing equipment
- Wheel cutter
- Full shop setup
TOOL MAINTENANCE
Keep tools in good condition:
- Sharpen screwdriver tips regularly on India stone
- Oil moving parts on tools
- Store in organized tool box or cabinet
- Clean after each use
- Keep anti-magnetic tools away from magnets
- Replace worn tips and cutting edges
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
- Safety glasses (essential when working with mainsprings)
- Dust mask for cleaning operations
- Good lighting (prevent eye strain)
- Comfortable chair with proper back support
- Well-ventilated workspace (for cleaning solutions)
- First aid kit nearby
SUMMARY
The progression of tool acquisition should match your skill development and the complexity of repairs you undertake. You might be surprised to find that you may already have many of the following tools sitting in your tool box. Things like pliers, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, regular and ball pean hammers, phillips and regular screwdrivers, files, an India sharpening stone and other ordinary hand tools are used much of the time in clock repair.
Start with basic tools, learn proper techniques, and gradually invest in specialized equipment as your skills and repair complexity increase. Many successful clock repair businesses started with just a few hundred dollars in basic tools and grew their collection over years.
The most important "tools":
- Patience
- Careful observation
- Willingness to learn
- Proper training and education
- Practice and experience
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