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# How do I remove a Clock Mainspring Barrel?

*   [Knowledge Base](https://www.clockworks.com)
*   Removing a clock mainspring barrel

### Article sections

## Removing a clock mainspring barrel

Often a [clock mainspring barrel](https://www.clockworks.com/posts/hermle-mainspring-barrel-numbers) can be removed without disassembling the [clock movements](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement.html) outer plates. The [mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-movement-hole-end-mainsprings.html) will also still be contained within the barrel.

### Letting down the mainspring power

The [mainspring let down tool](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-mainspring-let-down-tool-set-of-4) allows the release of the mainspring with the fist rather than the fingers. Put the [mainspring let down tool](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-mainspring-let-down-tool-set-of-2) over the square post the [key](https://www.clockworks.com/product/brass-single-end-clock-key) goes onto. With a [flat screwdriver](https://www.clockworks.com/product/screw-drivers-set-of-6-long-for-cuckoo-and-clock-repair), move the [click](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-clicks-with-wires-and-rivets) out of the way. The click has a [tension spring](https://www.clockworks.com/product/kieninger-style-clock-click-spring) that needs to be held back. This is what holds the [mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-movement-hole-end-mainsprings.html) so that it winds in only one direction. Slowly allow the [mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-movement-hole-end-mainsprings.html) to unwind in the fist. This method lets you control the speed of the unwind with your whole fist rather than the fingers. Unquestionably, doing this with a [key](https://www.clockworks.com/product/brass-single-end-clock-key) will result in a painful experience on the fingers. Of course, if the [mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-movement-hole-end-mainsprings.html) is broken, there usually is no worry since there isn't much tension to begin with.

### After the barrel is out

Once the power has been let down, the next step is to yank out the winding arbor shaft. The [clock mainspring barrel](https://www.clockworks.com/posts/hermle-mainspring-barrel-numbers) should then fall out the side of the [movement](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement.html). After the barrel is removed, it can be seen the number that is on the barrel end cap. This will tell what [hole end mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-movement-hole-end-mainsprings.html) to order. You can locate the mainspring by using the [hole end mainspring chart](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/hole-end-mainsprings.html). Be sure to check the movement for any damage as a result of the mainspring breaking. In particular, inspect the teeth of the gears, as well as the arbor on the next wheel up. This could have consequently been bent.

_The content of this website is copyright by [Clockworks](https://www.facebook.com/ClockworksUSA) and written by [James Stoudenmire](https://www.facebook.com/james.stoudenmire) in year 2020_

Last Updated: 2 months ago in

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