> ## Knowledge Base Index
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# What happens when a Clock Mainspring breaks?

*   [Knowledge Base](https://www.clockworks.com)
*   Clock Mainspring Damage

### Article sections

## Clock Mainspring Damage

When a [clock mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-movement-hole-end-mainsprings.html) breaks the impact can cause damage to the movement. Damage would be within the parts of the gear train itself. It is possible that the pivots that go into the outer plates or the arbors have bent. Best to check the clock movement's condition before ordering a [clock mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-movement-hole-end-mainsprings.html).

### What to check

If working with a hole end [clock mainspring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-movement-hole-end-mainsprings.html) it's best to check the teeth on the barrel for damage. A [barrel](https://www.clockworks.com/posts/hermle-mainspring-barrel-numbers) is a container that covers the mainspring on some clocks. The [barrel](https://www.clockworks.com/posts/hermle-mainspring-barrel-numbers) and the next wheel up gets the most impact and is where most of the damage would be. If there is damage to the movement that is, sometimes there is no damage at all. Then check the arbor on the next wheel up since it gets bent often when the mainspring breaks. Another option is to send it in for a [movement restoration](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair/mechanical-clock-movement-restoration.html). [Clockworks](https://www.clockworks.com/) will clean, oil, re-bush, repair and test the unit doing a full [movement restoration](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair/mechanical-clock-movement-restoration.html) job.

### Get a new movement instead

A movement that is 25-30 years old has lived its life. Subsequently, a [new movement](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html) would be the best thing at this point because of the cost and time it would take to make it right.

If you would like to explore the [new movement](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html) option rather than replacing the mainspring, please provide the movement numbers off of the back plate of the movement itself and email this information to us. There is another option also, send the clock mainspring barrel and we will swap it out with the correct new mainspring for a fee.

_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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