Westminster Mantel Clock Wound Too Tight—What Can I Do?
Mechanical Mantel Westminster Clock Kit
$500.00
What Should I Do If My Westminster Mantel Clock Is Wound Too Tight?
If your Mechanical Mantel Westminster Clock Kit has stopped working after being wound too tight, don’t panic. This is a common issue with mechanical clocks and can usually be resolved without replacing the entire unit. Whether you’re a clock enthusiast or a first-time builder, understanding what’s happening—and how to fix it—can save you time, money, and frustration.
In this guide, we’ll explain what it really means when a clock is “wound too tight,” how to fix a jammed Westminster mechanical movement, and what tools and parts you might need to get your mantel clock running again.
Can You Really Wind a Mechanical Mantel Clock Too Tight?
The phrase “wound too tight” is a bit misleading. In reality, mechanical clock springs can’t be overwound in the traditional sense. When you wind the mainspring all the way, it reaches its maximum tension, but this alone doesn’t damage the mechanism. What can happen is that the tension builds, but a separate issue prevents the spring from releasing its energy to drive the gears.
In most cases, if your Mechanical Mantel Westminster Clock Kit doesn’t run after winding, the issue lies elsewhere:
- Dirt or dried oil in the pivot holes
- A bent or jammed gear tooth
- Mainspring sticking to itself
- Movement out of beat or off level
- Lack of regular maintenance or lubrication
So while the spring may feel “too tight,” the real issue is that the energy isn’t transferring properly through the movement.
You can find this complete clock kit here: Mechanical Mantel Westminster Clock Kit
Replacing the movement with a fresh, clean unit ensures accurate timekeeping and full chime function without struggling with worn-down or sticky springs.
Step-by-Step: What to Do if Your Clock Kit Stopped After Winding
If your Westminster mechanical mantel clock kit refuses to run after winding, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue.
1. Check the Beat
Hold the clock steady and listen for the tick-tock rhythm. If it sounds uneven or erratic, the clock is out of beat. Use the crutch adjustment (the wire or bar behind the pendulum) to center the tick-tock. A clock out of beat cannot run consistently—even with a fully wound spring.
2. Inspect the Mainspring
The mainspring may have “stuck” to itself inside the barrel due to dried oil or corrosion. You’ll need to release the power, remove the spring barrel, and clean the spring thoroughly with proper clock cleaning solution. After cleaning, lightly lubricate the spring with Clockworks Clock Oil, available in our repair tools section.
You can find Clock Oil and cleaning supplies in our full cleaning kit here:
3. Examine the Gears and Arbors
Remove the dial and inspect the gear train. Look for bent pivots, debris in the teeth, or misaligned components. Often, a minor obstruction can cause the train to seize up under the full tension of a mainspring.
If needed, use a bushing tool or pivot file to clean up minor wear. Be gentle, and never force gear wheels to move.
Still Stuck? You May Need to Rebuild or Replace the Movement
If your Westminster clock kit has been idle for years or wasn’t assembled with fully clean components, the movement may have reached the point where cleaning no longer helps. In that case, the most reliable solution is to rebuild or replace the entire mechanical movement.
The good news is that we offer a complete Mechanical Mantel Westminster Clock Kit with everything you need:
- Preassembled Hermle mechanical Westminster movement
- Matching pendulum and dial
- Hands, key, and mounting hardware
- Setup instructions for correct beat and leveling
Maintenance Tips to Avoid This Issue in the Future
To keep your Mechanical Mantel Westminster Clock Kit running smoothly:
- Wind it once a week (on the same day)
- Keep it level front-to-back and side-to-side
- Check the beat regularly
- Clean and oil the movement every 3–5 years
- Avoid humid or dusty environments
When storing or moving the clock, let the springs run down first. This reduces tension and protects the gear train during transport.
We recommend picking up a set of Clock Movement Cleaning Books to guide you through maintenance and minor repair tasks.
Find repair guides and tools here:
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve already tried adjusting the beat, cleaning the mainspring, and checking the gear train—but the clock still refuses to run—don’t force the hands or the key. You may risk damaging the movement further.
Instead, consider sending the movement in for a full cleaning and inspection. At Clockworks, we offer clock cleaning and repair services for both modern and antique Westminster clocks.
You can submit a request and ship your clock to us for professional care. This is often the best route for heirloom clocks or kits built many years ago that haven’t received maintenance.
Final Thoughts
When a Mechanical Mantel Westminster Clock Kit stops after winding, the cause usually isn’t the winding itself—it’s a deeper issue in the beat, movement, or mainspring. Thankfully, many of these issues are fixable with careful attention, proper tools, and, if needed, a full replacement movement.
Use our [Mechanical Mantel Clock Kit]() to refresh your timepiece with confidence, or browse our selection of tools and oils to bring your existing kit back to life.
Need help deciding? Our expert team at Clockworks is here to walk you through the next steps.
Updated on: 11/07/2025
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