It depends on what you mean by "old". I own a few Sessions wall and mantel clocks all with their original 100-114 year old mainsprings. For issues with time regulation, I would focus more on the escapement and resolve any existing issues there first. Of course, this is after performing a proper cleaning and addressing any areas of wear. With that said, my circa 1908 Sessions shop regulator gains 6 minutes a week. That's pretty acceptable for a 114 year old movement with a recoil escapement. So, I just let it be.
When old springs become set they may only run the clock for 5,6,7 days. A spring powered clocks are only as good as their springs. That's why the railroads used weight driven ST #2 regulators in their stations and offices. Weights give you a continues power to the escapement. I don't pre-run clocks before repair because with over 100 clocks in the shop for repair it would take to long and space to do so.
added store links don't work., this store not found. I enjoy your posts.
Thanks for the heads up. Links fixed. Jim
Thank you! Love it!
The day before this I replaced a mainspring lol strange coincidence
Will old main spring cause clock not to be able to regulate
It depends on what you mean by "old".
I own a few Sessions wall and mantel clocks all with their original 100-114 year old mainsprings. For issues with time regulation, I would focus more on the escapement and resolve any existing issues there first. Of course, this is after performing a proper cleaning and addressing any areas of wear.
With that said, my circa 1908 Sessions shop regulator gains 6 minutes a week. That's pretty acceptable for a 114 year old movement with a recoil escapement.
So, I just let it be.
When old springs become set they may only run the clock for 5,6,7 days. A spring powered clocks are only as good as their springs. That's why the railroads used weight driven ST #2 regulators in their stations and offices. Weights give you a continues power to the escapement. I don't pre-run clocks before repair because with over 100 clocks in the shop for repair it would take to long and space to do so.