> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://clockworks.crisp.help/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Should I order a Clock Kit before building the case?

*   [Knowledge Base](https://www.clockworks.com)
*   Clock kit before building the clock case

### Article sections

## Clock kit before building the clock case

It is important to order the [clock kit](https://www.clockworks.com/mechanical-clock-kits.html) before building the clock case. If the case is built before getting the [mechanical clock kit](https://www.clockworks.com/mechanical-clock-kits.html) it is possible the kit will not fit. This sounds crazy but it is more common than anyone may think. So before spending a lot of time and hard work on building a luxury case, take the advice of getting the clock kit first. It will save you a lot of frustration and money in the long run.

### Why order a clock kit before building

To find or adapt a [clock kit](https://www.clockworks.com/mechanical-clock-kits.html) to the case is very difficult. The ideal [dial](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-moon-dials.html) or other parts may not exist in the size that the case requires. Measurements need to be correct for the [clock kit](https://www.clockworks.com/mechanical-clock-kits.html) to fit into the case. Always order the [Mechanical Clock Kit](https://www.clockworks.com/mechanical-clock-kits.html) before building the case. Having the [clock kit](https://www.clockworks.com/mechanical-clock-kits.html) set up on a stand while working on the case is ideal. This way it will be easy to measure the various parts of the [clock kit](https://www.clockworks.com/mechanical-clock-kits.html) such as the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/german-mechanical-clock-pendulums.html) swing and [dial](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-moon-dials.html). Having the luxury of the components suspended in front of you to measure at will is a wise decision.

### Not all clocks can be replicated

The size of many antique clocks dials just are not made anymore. Grandfather clocks back in the day had large [Clock dials](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-dials.html) with ships on them. They most certainly are gorgeous but try to find another one like it. These are no longer available. This is the case with many others as well. This is yet another reason to buy the clock kit before building the case. If the dial is found, you will need to drill winding holes. This way it will have a hole to put the [key](https://www.clockworks.com/product/brass-single-end-clock-key) or [crank](https://www.clockworks.com/product/grandfather-clock-key-crank) into. [Chain](https://www.clockworks.com/product/grandfather-grandmother-clock-chain) driven clocks are the only style that does not need winding holes in the dial.

### Alternate kit component availability

[Clockworks](https://www.clockworks.com/) offers a large variety of [clock movements](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html). However, when it comes to some components resources can get slim. This is why it is important to buy the clock kit before building the case. [Clock dials](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-dials.html) are the hardest because there are so many shapes, sizes, and options available. Examples include [round dials](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/round-clock-dials.html), [square](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/square-clock-dials.html), [hump top with no moon](https://www.clockworks.com/product/tempus-fugit-style-clock-dial), and [moon dials](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-moon-dials.html).

### Summary

To sum up this topic on clock kits. It is wise to get the [Mechanical Clock Kit](https://www.clockworks.com/mechanical-clock-kits.html) before building the clock case. The best thing to do is set up the movement kit in the workshop. This way is easy access to visualize the size prior to installation. Nothing is worse than making a beautiful case only to realize there are no components that will fit it. By purchasing all of your components before building, there is less chance for error when making the case. They will be at your disposal to measure at any time during the building process.

_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

### Related Articles