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How do I open this spring barrel?

Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2022 11:17 am
by nostalgia
I should probably post this in the tricks and tips section, but post here, since I am in the middle of a work process, and feel more members watch this section.
Does someone recognize this spring barrel? I don't understand how to open the barrel, and prefer to ask, instead of using too much force on the wrong section of the barrel.
It looks completely locked, but it of course can't be...I have tried to push a small screw driver into the small hole at the end of the barrel, to open it in this section, but can't really see any kind of openings apart from this small hole..
I need grease the spring, to see if I am able to make the motor run at even speed after greasing it. The governor parts are cleaned and greased etc.

Re: How do I open this spring barrel?

Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2022 11:32 am
by JerryVan
Use this hole as place to pry the cover out.
Screenshot 2022-10-28 113139.png
Screenshot 2022-10-28 113139.png (154.5 KiB) Viewed 3382 times

Re: How do I open this spring barrel?

Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2022 11:40 am
by nostalgia
Thanks Jerry, this is what I have been trying to do the last hours, it means I at least am on the right track.
More force is needed then.. :roll:
Thanks again,

Re: How do I open this spring barrel?

Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2022 12:20 pm
by Inigo
Yes. It's the typical European motor, probably from Thorens hardware. Insist on the hole. The lid is press fit on the barrel. To reinstall it after work, it's the opposite. You put the lid in place, and carefully hammering it into the recess of the barrel, all around until it eventually fits in. Use a soft hammer (rubber matted). Those small barrels are a nightmare, as are the small but very powerful springs inside...! I know by experience. My first portable had the Thorens no52 motor, and by far it has been the most difficult barrel I've worked in. I find the big HMV springs much easier to handle, you have more room on which to grip when installing the springs. And HMV springs are comparatively easier to roll into the barrel. The small Thorens springs are thicker and more difficult to bend into place!

Re: How do I open this spring barrel?

Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2022 9:46 am
by leels1
Did you post this on Facebook too a little while ago?

I was sure these are screwed in, and a screwdriver at an angle on the hole, gently knocking with a hammer will unscrew it going round and round.

I had one and the edge of the barrel at the lid I’m sure were threaded- it may have been in a Thorens Excelda.

Re: How do I open this spring barrel?

Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2022 10:19 am
by JerryVan
leels1 wrote: Sun Oct 30, 2022 9:46 am Did you post this on Facebook too a little while ago?

I was sure these are screwed in, and a screwdriver at an angle on the hole, gently knocking with a hammer will unscrew it going round and round.

I had one and the edge of the barrel at the lid I’m sure were threaded- it may have been in a Thorens Excelda.
If that's the case, the OP should be able to peek into the hole and see the threads in the barrel. Any threads visible?

Thinking more about the cover possibly being threaded... that might explain the burrs on the side of the hole, as would be made by a punch, when attempting to unscrew the cover.

Re: How do I open this spring barrel?

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2023 5:01 am
by phonodesbois
Hi Nostalgia,
did you find how to open the barrel? I have the same issue with a Thorens 50 motor.
Many thanks.

Re: How do I open this spring barrel?

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2023 7:17 am
by phonodesbois
Solved! no thread but patience and a good hammer.... :D

Re: How do I open this spring barrel?

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2023 4:12 am
by nostalgia
I am sorry I never replied to this sooner. Yes, I was able to open it too, with patience..and a good rubber hammer, following Jerry's advice . :) Thanks a lot, again....and glad you also were able to open the barrel on your motor, Phonodesbois.