Replacing bell for gong striker/hammer

[Andrzej541]

Hello, 

Hoping for some advice/thoughts re a French  slate mantel clock restoration that been undertaking.. 

Original Vincenti (13.4cm aperture fit) was in rough shape and as was for a Christmas present (already pretty overdue!!), no time to have stripped etc. Managed to get hold of a nice Marti however was a bell striker and original Vincenti movement was for a gong. Although both movements fit same aperture, the Marti is more substantial and square shaft on which striker sits on is thicker so simple swap over didn't pan out. 

Basically trying to understand if there is a super fine square type file that could open out the square aperture of the Vincenti gong striker or a specialist out there that could supply a gong striker with wider square aperture. 

Thanks for your consideration and apologies for any daft terminology as is the first time that have done anything like this. Images attached and if need some more info re shaft/aperture dimensions can advise. Thanks. 

Andrzej 

[oldhippy]

You need a square needle file. Any good clock suppliers would have different sizes in stock.  You could try drilling to make it a little larger, then use the file to square it. 

[Andrzej541]

That's perfect, thanks so much for your advice. 

 

 

[WatchMaker]

You don't have to get them from this source but it at least shows you the kind of variety of needles files available ... https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/needle-files ... along with the 'cuts' (coarse to fine) that exist.

If ordering from a site like ebay check dimensions and go for something with a fine cut.

Edited January 7, 2020 by WatchMaker

[vinn3]

5 hours ago, WatchMaker said:

You don't have to get them from this source but it at least shows you the kind of variety of needles files available ... https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/needle-files ... along with the 'cuts' (coarse to fine) that exist.

If ordering from a site like ebay check dimensions and go for something with a fine cut.

   they come in a set from any tool outlet.   they do wear out,  so buy new and no chineeze.  vin

[vinn3]

13 hours ago, vinn3 said:

   they come in a set from any tool outlet.   they do wear out,  so buy new and no chineeze.  vin

     also;  their is a prodcedure to clean files.   "file card"  or wire brush. -  after or during fileing AND try not to file soft metal like aluminum     vin