Seeking Advice on Repairing Mainspring Winder Hooks

[TimepieceTinkerer]

Greeting  Everyone 

I recently acquired a pre-owned mainspring winder set made in Germany, consisting of seven cranks. However, I have noticed that some of the hooks on the cranks appear smaller than usual, likely due to wear from use.

Upon closer inspection, I can see a pin and a hole behind the hook. My assumption is that if I can push the pin from the hole, the hook might extend enough to catch the spring properly. Before attempting any repair, I wanted to ask for advice from those with more experience.

Has anyone encountered this issue before? If so, is there a recommended way to repair or restore these hooks? Would it be better to replace the hooks entirely if possible?

I have attached pictures of the set and the affected hooks for reference. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your help.

Best regards,

AL

[SwissSeiko]

You can punch these out and make new ones. In fact, this is the preferred type of winder, in the sense that the arbors can be replaced when needed. A lathe, files, and stones are all that's needed to make a new one. Winders are much more basic than Bergeon would have you believe. If you're competent on a lathe, you can make quite a few in a weekend.

[TimepieceTinkerer]

Thank you for your insight! I really appreciate the explanation—it’s reassuring to know that these winders were designed with replaceable arbors. I don’t have much experience with a lathe, but this gives me a good direction to explore.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!

[mikepilk]

1 hour ago, SwissSeiko said:

. A lathe, files, and stones are all that's needed to make a new one.

Lathe? I wish .

I made these with just a saw, files, drill and a tap.

I needed some left handed, so I made some.  I got the centre spindles down to size by putting in an electric drill and using a file, then wet and dry. For the hooks, I drilled a hole, hammered in a bit of steel ( I think I used a needle) then filed to shape.

[TimepieceTinkerer]

Thanks for sharing your method. That’s a great approach using simple tools.