Horology Tools

Vise

• A small vise is a necessity to a watchmaker. Ideally outfitted with hardened steel 2-inch jaws to hold tiny workpieces, the vise holds the object tightly, keeping it still for the work to be done. The jaws are easily replaced when worn, important because this is likely the most used tool in the horologist's arsenal.

Pliers

• Watch and clock makers make great use of a variety of small pliers, some of which they customize for their trade by filing the jaws down to size. Nickel-plated pliers are preferred, as they do not rust. Horologists also use brass or German silver to plate the jaws and faces of their pliers; these materials will not scratch or mark a timepiece or its components, as steel may do.

Screwdrivers

• In addition to a watchmaker's screwdriver, which is specially made in size and shape for small, detailed work, ordinary steel screwdrivers are often used as well. They are kept filed to a delicate edge to ensure accuracy. They may be used for larger screws in timepieces, and are also used in tandem with the watchmaker's lathes to file and shape watch and clock components.

Tweezers

• Tweezers are necessary for the most delicate work of the horologist, that for which even the smallest pair of pliers is too large or strong. They are often traded out for new ones as the tips wear and become blunt. This ensures that delicate work is undamaged by shoddy tools.

Cloths

• Soft, lint-free cloths are an important tool of the clockmaker. They keep the work free of dirt, oil and dust.

Hammers

• At least two hammers are a necessity for the horologist--- a regular hammer, weighing around 1 ounce, and a lighter one for more delicate work. These hammers should have flat, smooth faces.

Files

• Files are essential for clock and watch repair, as many components benefit from filing for shaping and smoothing. There are many varieties, sizes and grades of files. There are square files, crossing files and rat-tail files, to name a few of the dozens available.

Drills

• Another common tool for the watchmaker is the common drill. Bits are purchased from the smallest available to as large as is needed for the job at hand. Since drill shanks (the part that attaches to the power drill stock) are standard in size, one must only purchase one of the three sizes of shank to fit your drill stock. This makes purchasing and using drill bits simple and worry free.