Gravity Clicks (ratchet)

[John T]

Hi Art,
I really like the gravity click type of ratchet as a winding mechanism for my clocks, and GT does a great job of creating them for me - thanks.

The issue i'm having with my clicks is that the clicks can and do overcenter as the weight drum rotates,  they can literally lay on their backs against the ratchet teeth and become unfunctional.  My solution has been to apply a "stop" so that they cannot overcenter.  This system works but I'm wondering if anyone has a better solution.  Has anyone tried an outer ring to limit how far the clicks can "open up"?

The following photos are way better than my words.

[Stephen Fornelius]

I put a extension spring on mine to pull the click into the wheel.  I just put a screw on one of the arms and a pin on the back of the click.  Pulls it VERY reliably.

[ArtF]

I do the same, a small spring hooked to  pin to pull it into position. Really though its highly dependent on the design,
Yours is a unique one I see, and I can understand why you use the pin.

Art

[John T]

Hi Art
I've done the spring thing myself and it works -- i use the multiple ones as the winding is really quiet.  With 35 clock to wind, silent clicks are a bonus.