Releasing new mainsprings
This is a controlled method which I have successfully used over many years.
Take the new spring, which is retained by a hefty piece of wire and place it flat on the floor. Put your foot on top of the spring with your body weight pushing down on it. With a pair of side cutters, cut the retaining wire and gradually release the weight a little at a time, allowing the coils of the spring to slowly unwind between your foot and the floor. More pressure can be applied if the spring tries to unwind too quickly. This should only take a few minutes to complete and the spring can then be wound on to your mainspring winder for insertion into the clock barrel.
I find that shoes with smooth soles (no ridges) work best when carrying out this operation.
Hew Aldridge, UK
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