I have a 7 jewel lord king cocktail traveling clock with a stuck main spring. The arlarm hand ring will not pry up from the main stem. How do I get to the clock mechanism? Unscrew the 3 brass screws?
Disassembling a clock can be a delicate process, especially if you're dealing with a stuck main spring. Here's a general guideline, but please proceed with caution and, if possible, refer to the specific instructions for your Lord King cocktail traveling clock:
1. **Safety first**: Before attempting any repairs, make sure you're working on a stable surface with good lighting. Consider wearing protective gloves and eyewear, especially if dealing with small parts.
2. **Identify access points**: Look for any screws, clips, or other fasteners that might be securing the clock case. In your case, if there are three brass screws visible, they might indeed be holding the case together.
3. **Unscrewing the screws**: Carefully unscrew the brass screws using an appropriate screwdriver. Keep track of the screws and any washers or other parts that come off with them.
4. **Opening the case**: Once the screws are removed, gently try to pry open the case. Be cautious not to force it; if it doesn't easily come apart, there may be additional hidden fasteners or mechanisms holding it together.
5. **Accessing the clock mechanism**: Once the case is open, you should have access to the clock mechanism. Be mindful of any delicate parts, especially if the main spring is stuck.
6. **Assessing the main spring**: Carefully inspect the main spring and the surrounding components. If the main spring is stuck, you may need to use specialized tools and techniques to release it safely. Attempting to force it could cause damage to the clock.
7. **Addressing the alarm hand ring**: If the alarm hand ring is stuck, try gently maneuvering it with a small tool, such as a precision screwdriver or tweezers. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage.
8. **Reassembly**: Once you've addressed the issue with the main spring and/or alarm hand ring, carefully reassemble the clock in the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure that all parts are properly aligned and secured.
If you're unsure about any step of the process or if the clock is particularly valuable or sentimental, it may be best to seek assistance from a professional clock repair technician. They'll have the expertise and specialized tools needed to safely disassemble and repair the clock.