Releasing a stuck cap jewel

[goddo555]

I have an old movement which I'm practising on. Despite my best efforts under my microscope, I can't separate the cap jewel from the end piece. I'm guessing this is not unusual for old movements with little servicing. What do people do to get them apart? Should I soak it in something???

[Waggy]

Maybe soak in something like naptha or IPA depending on what you have/use. A picture may help

[goddo555]

Sorry...haven't got the means to take a picture that would be of any use. It looks like a regular enclosed cap jewel. I might give the IPA a go. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Waggy]

I use a small ketchup jar, the single-serving ones you get at restraints with IPA and just drop it in, there is a good chance it will part as soon as it hits the fluid, if not, let it soak for 5 mins then give it a gentle swirl, after a few cycles of this it should part 

[mikepilk]

If you have an ultrasonic - I put them in a bit of naphtha (lighter fluid) in a small container. I use old contact lens cases. A minute or two and they're free !

[GuyMontag]

Take an old usb cable and cut it, remove one of the thin copper wires and you can use that to poke through the chaton and pop the cap jewel off.

[SpringMangler]

I use Essence of Renata to clean cap jewels, pallet fork and the balance and even well stuck jewels separate almost instantly when putting them in the fluid. 

[goddo555]

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the help.