Letting down mainsprings
Here is a tip for safely letting down springs which are not contained in a barrel. Use a cable tie. I have found these little pieces of plastic have many more uses that just securing cables. Holding on hub caps on cars is one use and they are in great evidence all around the country at the moment securing election posters to telegraph and electricity poles.
Using them for clock springs means that the power of the spring can be contained by the tag, and the wheel with spring, or the spring alone may be removed when the clock is being dismantled. This avoids possible damage to wheels and pivots should the power be accidentally released. If the spring has already run down, I think that it is best to wind it up to about half way. This means that the tie will be easier to insert and adjoining arbors will be cleared.
After pulling the tie tight, it is important to release the spring's tension until it is completely retained by the cable tie, otherwise such power would be released when the clock was being dismantled with possible resultant damage to both clock and clockmaker! It also means that the spring can be put back very easily during re-assembly as it will have retained its position in relation to the wheel on which it sits.
Alan Bell, UK
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