Replacement Clock Keys

Have you misplaced your clock key?

If you have and you know the size required you can order one from the store.

Getting a replacement can be a difficult if you’re not sure on the size required. It used to be that you would pop the clock into the local clock repairer who will quickly test a few keys and work out the size required.

But with the dwindling clock trade, clock makers are few and far between, and customers usually turn to the internet to try and find the correct size. The problem is that there is no way to answer the question “what size clock key do I need?” without trying a few with the clock.

That’s why I offer a Key Sizing service.

How It Works

In my store, find the style of key you want. When you know what style you’d like, add the ‘Key Sizing Service’ to your cart, selecting the style of key you’d like from the drop down menu, and checkout like normal.

I’ll post you a key known as a ‘star key’. These keys have multiple sized ends and are used by clockmakers around the workshop as two keys cover most of the sizes. If the style you selected is a double ended key, I’ll also post out some smaller keys, so you can work out the smaller end size needed.

Test the keys in your clock, and establish which size you need. Fill out the included form and post this and the star keys back to me.

Once I receive these back, I will post you the key you need.

Not Sure On the Style Key Required?

It’s best to try and match the new key as close as possible to the old one, but if this is a ‘new-to-you’ clock or if you’re not sure what style is best, there are some styles that match certain styles of clocks better.

Mantel & Bracket Clocks

The ‘Steel Bow Key’ will suit most mantel and bracket clocks. I also sell a ‘Brass Heart Shaped Key’ that goes nicely with high quality bracket clocks, and makes winding fusee clocks much easier that the steel bow key.

French & Carriage Clocks

French clocks tend to use a double ended key. One end winds the clock and the other end regulates the time using a square that comes through the dial, or turns the hands. I sell two types of keys for these, a Standard and a Higher Quality option.

It’s not always possible to provide replacement keys that match both squares. In this instance I can supply a smaller key along with the normal winding key.

Grandfather & Dial Clocks

Longcase clocks and some dial clocks use a ‘Crank Key’ to assist in winding heavier weights or stronger springs.