How to Make the Inner Coil of a Mainspring Smaller- Without Breaking It

In this video, I'll show you how to make the inner coil of a mainspring smaller without breaking it. If you're working on a watch mainspring replacement, you may encounter a mainspring with an oversized inner coil. This can make it difficult to hook the mainspring on the barrel arbor.

But don't worry, with the right technique, you can safely and effectively reduce the size of the inner coil. I'll guide you through the process step-by-step, highlighting key works and demonstrating each stage of the procedure.

We'll begin by explaining why it's important to adjust the size of the inner coil and how it can impact the performance of your watch. Then we'll move onto the tools you'll need and provide some tips for preparing the mainspring for work.

Next, we'll demonstrate the technique for reducing the size of the inner coil. We'll show you how to hold the mainspring securely and use a pair of pliers to gently compress the coil.

By the end of this video, you'll have a clear understanding of how to make the inner coil of a mainspring smaller and how to do so safely and effectively. Whether you're a professional watchmaker or a DIY enthusiast, this video is a must-watch for anyone working on a watch mainspring replacement.

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USED IN THIS VIDEO

MY MICROSCOPE SET-UP

** FULL LIST OF TOOLS & SUPPLIES I USE **

[johntebeau]

Thanks. Had a memory lapse on the post. Was remembering a new 2824 MS too small for my available winding arbors. Should have popped right in but didn’t and went downhill from there. You have great videos that the average guy can understand. Thanks again.

[seth.reeves]

Every single time I need to learn how to do something new, you already have a video which explains it perfectly! So grateful for all the hard work you put in Alex. It is so appreciated! 👍🏻

[richardclarke]

Always something new interesting and Applicable! Happy when when a new teaching comes out :) thanks Alex for Keeping them comming Rick

[normanrehme]

Alex, thanks so much for this tip. I came back to this video and it finally clicked. I get it now! What a world of difference this makes. I wish we lived closer.

[DavidvanNiekerk]

Bless you sir. Struggled with this beast many times. I appreciate your advice

[andrewwebster]

You saved me money today, I would have thought the roskopf watch I am repairing had the wrong spring as it kept being unhooked, however I had watched this video and checked the spring someone had already taken the temper out and tried to resize to fit the arbor. I have followed you video and haven't yet broken it.

[paynemaker]

I have destroyed more mainsprings than I'd like to admit by crushing the inner coil. Another tip I haven't seen anywhere else. Great video.

[pierrecharon]

Very useful, first time I see this issue treated. Many thanks from France

[johnvaluk]

Thanks for the information! Always struggled with this. Hardest part besides the size of inner loop is installing the arbor!

[kyproset]

Thank you, Alex, for the great lesson yet again.

[matteobonne]

Great video as always! Crystal clear in-depth explanations, great editing, and overall quality.
Thanks for all this online material you provide, it's so helpfull!

[a.aguilar]

Thank you Alex! Next time I'll know how to deal with those big inner coils.

[jarrettlaird]

Heck yea, this is the exact information i was looking for. I ran into this problem for the first time recently.

[MichaelHeinrich]

Oh a new video from Alex, opening, thumbs up, comment, sharing, watching. 😊

[JonTheComputerDoctor]

This is a question I wanted an answer to so thank you very much.

[perrybucsdad]

Alex, it's almost like you know exactly the issue I am going to have next. Thanks for this video as I am working on an old Russian watch that is having this exact issue.

[walther]

Great stuff! Made some really small round pliers from harbor freight by grinding it down to size.. but mostly for click springs . Awesome content !

[tomholloway]

Thanks again Alex, great information!

[itzhaccroitoru]

Thank you, Alex, for the great lesson yet again. it's so helpfull!

[WarFreak]

Thank you for this video. I was able to finish an 1883 Waltham Broadway using this method. I guess new white alloy mainsprings are built assuming a larger arbor size.