How to Replace the Spring on a 31-Day Bracket Clock

Replace the springs on your clock so that it winds more efficiently.

Bracket clocks consist of a pendulum and must be wound on a weekly basis. Thirty-one day clocks offer a day counter that moves from 1 to 31 before resetting. Since many months do not have 31 days, you must occasionally reset the day of these clocks using the dials on the back of the clock. If the clock grows worn, you can replace the screws that allow it to function.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Remove the screws that hold the clock's cover in place with a screwdriver. Set these screws aside.

2. Pry the cover off of the 31-day bracket clock.

3. Grasp the pendulum and slide it off the pendulum hanger. Lift the pendulum upward and then away from the clock. Remove the pendulum hanger by unscrewing it.

4. Loosen the screws that hold the pendulum spring in place with pliers. Set the screws aside and pull the spring off of the clock. Set a new spring in its place and secure it with the screws.

5. Locate the suspension of the clock. In most 31-day bracket clocks, the suspension is found near the top of the clock. Pull the suspension rod up and away from the clock. Disconnect the rods that hold the suspension rod to the suspension spring and set the rod aside.

6. Loosen the screws that hold the suspension spring in place with pliers. Set the screws aside and pull the spring off of the clock. Set a new spring in its place and secure it with the screws.

7. Attach the pendulum suspension to the new spring with the screws you removed previously. Slide the pendulum back into place by pushing it toward the clock and downward.

8. Slide the suspension rod into place. Secure the suspension rod to the screw with the pins you removed previously.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase new clock springs at a watch repair shop.

References

• City Clocks Online: English Wall and Bracket Clocks
• Clock MD: 31 Day Mantel Clock Instructions
• Abbey Clock: The Suspension Spring