Tools: screwdrivers, tweezers, loupes

SCREWDRIVERS

The blades of watchmaker’s screwdrivers are made of hardened and tempered steel. The head of the screwdriver remains stationary against the finger which is placed upon it, while the stem and blade revolves freely when in use. Screwdrivers are made in a variety of blade widths to fit the wide variety of screw head diameters. It is necessary to select a screwdriver of a width slightly smaller than the screw head so as not to damage screw head or the plate.
The smaller screwdrivers used to remove jewel screws, range in size from .60 mm to .85 mm,

ASSEMBLY TWEEZERS

There are many types of watchmaker’s tweezers. The assembly tweezer is a general purpose tweezer used for assembly work and handling watch material. The type illustrated is an excellent tweezer for general work but there are many other different styles and shapes of points.

MATERIAL TRAY AND COVER

Most material trays are divided into sections in which to place the parts of a watch as is disassembled. For example, train wheels in one section, balance and escapement in other, and so on. Most trays are covered in order to keep the parts free of dust and moisture. The beginner may use a clean porcelain, such as a saucer with an inverted glass.

TECH PAPER

Such paper is used when handling parts of watches or watch movements. It is made from, grade, tarnish-proof tissue and usually goes in sizes about 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 and 4-1/4 1/4 inches. The tissue is placed between … fingers and the movement or parts when needing. The beginner can substitute a good … of tissue which has been cut to either of dimensions given. Watch paper is also used to clean up parts of watches and materials.

LOUPE OR EYEGLASS

For the person who is not required to wear glasses a single eyeloupe is recommended for all general purposes. It can be held in place by using a head wire. The loupe should be approximately a 3 inch focus. This is comparable to a magnification of 3.3 times.

DOUBLE LOUPE

A two lens loupe used for close work and more magnification. The outer lens can be removed, thus reverting to a single loupe. Double loupes are available in many different powers and focus. The ideal double loupe for general work should magnify approximately 7-l/Z times.

SPECTACLE LOUPE

For the person who must wear glasses to correct vision, this type of spectacle loupe is preferred. It is quickly attached and detached. A 3 inch focus is recommended for general bench work. For those wearing bone rim glasses, a loupe similar to this is made to fit the frame. A loupe holder may also be used to attach the regular loupe to the glass frame.

AWL

An ordinary awl is extremely handy around the watchmaker’s bench. It can be used for punching holes in leather, opening clasps on bands and marking outlines in plastic etc. Any sharp pointed instrument may be substituted.

SOLDERING TWEEZERS

These tweezers are used to hold materials when heating, hardening and soldering. Some tweezers have a clamp as an added feature.

COPING SAW

A small inexpensive coping saw is useful for cutting wood and plastic. It can be obtained at most hardware stores,

END CUTTING PLIERS

An end cutting plier of the type illustrated is another of the common type of watchmaker’s pliers. It is made to cut soft steel, brass, nickel, and other materials.