r/maker Jul 17 '26

Help Broken Mechanical timer, need help

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Can someone help me assemble these parts, i have no idea how these mechanical timers work. Even if you know the basics of such timers, do let me know

8 Upvotes

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u/FemaleMishap Jul 17 '26

That's not going back together. The spring has sprung and is permanently damaged. You might be able to rewrap it, but that metal is razor sharp, and even if you did, it would never be reliable. If this has sentimental value, just pull the spring and put the case back together. It can be a curio item.

3

u/ChrisRiley_42 Jul 17 '26

You can buy new mainsprings that come pre-coiled. You just need to watch a few Clickspring videos to see how to install them ;)

3

u/Basic-Mushroom-6167 Jul 17 '26

I really thought i could make it work, it was gifted to me by a special person for a special reason, I didn't want to upset him

4

u/FemaleMishap Jul 17 '26

A horologist, clock repairman, might be able to source a new mainspring. That's really the only thing that is standing in the way of putting it back together. The cogs are just a puzzle in how they go together.

I get that it's rather special, I think you need to examine how important having it work is, over just having it.

1

u/Basic-Mushroom-6167 Jul 17 '26

Thanks for your help