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# What are Clicks and Click Springs?

*   [Knowledge Base](https://www.clockworks.com)
*   Clicks and click springs

### Article sections

### Clicks and click springs

[Mechanical clocks](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html) with a ratchet wheel use [clicks](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html). This can mean a [spring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-loop-end-mainspring-replacements.html) driven clock or a [weight](https://www.clockworks.com/product/polished-clock-weight) driven clock. Clicks keep it wound in only one direction. Both have a ratcheting function as in a wheel being able to turn one way only. It spins one way and makes a clicking sound when this is done. That clicking sound is the [click](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-clicks-with-wires-and-rivets). This is the small part that makes the wheel turn in only one direction. The [click](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-clicks-with-wires-and-rivets) is held in the down position with some pressure from what is known as a [click spring](https://www.clockworks.com/product/33pc-clock-click-spring-assortment).

### Clicks on spring driven movements

Often when a [mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-loop-end-mainspring-replacements.html) breaks the [click](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-clicks-with-wires-and-rivets) will loosen considerably from the shock. Replace or tighten the loose [click](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-clicks-with-wires-and-rivets) to ensure it will not let go when winding the clock with the [key](https://www.clockworks.com/product/brass-single-end-clock-key). It is not uncommon to think the mainspring broke when really the click eventually came loose and let the [mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-loop-end-mainspring-replacements.html) slip. Once the click on the ratchet slips the mainspring lets loose and momentum of it unwinding is unstoppable.

### Clicks on weight driven movements

In general, this is a harder style to replace and not really available on the market. If these are needed for a weight driven ratchet wheel it is best to replace the entire wheel. Replacing the entire wheel will include the ratchet wheel, the arbor it is on and also the gear. It will have the click and spring installed all as one unit. This maybe the ratchet wheel on a chain driven clock or a cable drum for a cable driven clock. In both situations it is best to replace the entire component with the click and spring installed. That way is it complete and done the best and quickest way.

_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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