The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Ahh, mainsprings... Ever a source of entertainment. I stupidly decided to tackle a Victrola quad-spring motor as my very first job, and on top of that, I failed to realize that you can just put a glob of grease in the barrel after the springs are in... I greased them as I went.

The real kicker was when I realized all four of them had gone in backwards and I had to do it all again.

BAD NEWS Unfortunately the spring is in backwards so don't put it together and try to wind it.

GOOD NEWS You did it once so you know you can do it again.

When pulling the spring out if you're unsure if you can keep it under control, try putting it in a 5 gallon plastic bucket. This will keep everything contained.

When putting the spring back in, put the barrel securely in a vice with V blocks. That way you will have both hands free to put the spring back in.

Larry Crandell