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# Removing a Clock Mainspring Barrel


### Removing a clock mainspring barrel

Often a [clock mainspring barrel](https://www.clockworks.com/posts/hermle-mainspring-barrel-numbers) can be taken out without disassembling the [clock movements](/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement.html) outer plates, on Hermle or Kieninger clock movements. The [mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-movement-hole-end-mainsprings.html) will also still stay inside the barrel.


[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/5/9/1/9591a3f915bf7800/mainspring-barrel_1bz46nt.jpg =270xauto)](https://www.clockworks.com/product/hole-end-clock-mainspring)
###                                                                    Click on the picture to shop Hole End Mainsprings on Clockworks.com


### 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.


[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/5/9/1/9591a3f915bf7800/let-down-tool_ktlxly.jpg =486xauto)](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-mainspring-let-down-tool-set-of-4)
###                                                              Click on the picture to shop Mainspring Let Down Tools on Clockworks.com


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](/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.


[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/5/9/1/9591a3f915bf7800/key_1szql3k.jpg =264xauto)](https://www.clockworks.com/?s=clock+keys&post_type=product)
###                                                                  Click on the picture to shop Clock Keys and Cranks on Clockworks.com


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.


[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/5/9/1/9591a3f915bf7800/click-springs_w1ah6q.jpg =421xauto)](https://www.clockworks.com/product/33pc-clock-click-spring-assortment)
###                                                                            Click on the picture to shop Click Springs on Clockworks.com


This method lets the control the speed of the unwind with the 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 comes out, you can see 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. 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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.


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