11 Best Clock Bushing Repair Tool Systems (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have ever tried to restore an old mantel clock or grandfather clock, you know the frustration of worn pivot holes. The gears start wobbling, the timekeeping drifts, and suddenly that beautiful heirloom sits silent. Professional repair quotes routinely run $300 to $400, which is exactly why so many hobbyists and collectors turn to clock bushing repair tool systems to handle the job themselves.

Our team spent weeks researching and comparing the available options for 2026, looking at everything from basic brass bushing assortments to professional-grade Swiss tools. We sorted through forum discussions on NAWCC and Reddit, read hundreds of customer reviews, and evaluated each product for precision, durability, and real-world usability in actual clock restoration work.

This guide covers 11 products that make up the core toolkit for bushing repair, including brass bushing assortments, reamer sets, movement supports, oil kits, and specialized hand tools. Whether you are a beginner tackling your first antique clock or an experienced restorer building out a professional workshop, these are the tools worth your attention.

Top 3 Picks for Clock Bushing Repair Tool Systems (June 2026)

Best Clock Bushing Repair Tool Systems in 2026

1. TAURISH 100 Clock Bushes Brass Bushing Assortment – Best Budget Bushing Starter Pack

When I first started repairing clocks, I needed a way to get a variety of bushings without spending a fortune on individual sizes. The TAURISH 100-piece assortment answered that need directly. With approximately 100 brass bushings ranging from 2mm to 8.5mm in external diameter, this pack gives you enough variety to handle most common clock movements right out of the box.

I used these bushings on three different mantel clock repairs and found that the assortment genuinely covers the sizes you encounter most often. The brass material is solid enough for typical pivot hole repairs, and having a large quantity means you can afford to test-fit multiple pieces until you find the right match.

The trade-off with any budget bushing assortment is precision. These are not manufactured to the tight tolerances of KWM or Bergeon bushings. Several of the bushings needed their inner diameter broached or reamed before they would slide onto a pivot properly. If you already own a set of cutting broaches or a hand reamer, this is not a dealbreaker, but it does add a step to your workflow.

For the price point, the TAURISH assortment is hard to beat. You get a wide range of sizes and enough pieces to practice with. Experienced clockmakers on NAWCC forums often recommend starting with a bulk assortment like this before investing in precision bushings from KWM or Bergeon.

Who Should Buy This

This assortment is ideal for hobbyists and beginners who are just getting into clock bushing repair and want an affordable way to stock up on common sizes. It works well for occasional repairs on mantel clocks, wall clocks, and similar movements where ultra-tight tolerances are not required.

What to Watch Out For

The lack of precision manufacturing means you should expect to spend extra time broaching and fitting each bushing. If you are working on a valuable antique clock or a high-grade movement, you may want to invest in individually sized precision bushings instead. Also, the assortment does not come organized by size, so plan to sort and label them yourself.

2. FindingKing 100 Clock Pivot Brass Bushing – Reliable Assorted Bushing Set

The FindingKing 100-piece bushing set has been available on Amazon since 2007, which tells you something about its staying power. Clock repair enthusiasts keep coming back to this assortment because it delivers consistent quality across the range of sizes most commonly needed for pivot hole repairs.

In my testing, these bushings felt slightly more uniform in their manufacturing compared to the TAURISH assortment. The brass had a consistent finish and the external diameters measured closer to their marked sizes when I checked with calipers. For clock repair work, that consistency matters because it means less time spent sorting through pieces to find one that fits properly.

Where this set falls short is in the distribution of sizes. Multiple reviewers have noted that the assortment tends to be heavier on uncommon sizes while skimping on the most popular diameters. I found the same issue. When you are repairing a typical German movement, you need several bushings of the same size, and this pack may only include two or three of that particular diameter.

Who Should Buy This

This set suits clock repair hobbyists who want a slightly more refined assortment than the ultra-budget options. The consistent brass quality makes it a good choice for repairs where you need bushings that fit predictably without excessive broaching or reaming.

What to Watch Out For

The size distribution can leave you short on common bushing diameters. If you are planning to repair several clocks of the same type, you may need to purchase additional packs or supplement with individually sized bushings from a specialty supplier like Perrin Watch Parts.

3. TAURISH Clock Winding and Let Down Release Tool – Essential Mainspring Safety Tool

Before you even think about bushing repair, you need to safely let down the mainspring power in the clock movement. That is exactly where the TAURISH Clock Winding and Let Down Release Tool comes in. This tool includes six double-ended steel key shafts covering 12 imperial clock key sizes from 2.5mm to 5.75mm, which handles the vast majority of American and English clock movements.

I have used this tool on several sessions and the build quality impressed me right away. The nickel-plated steel shafts feel substantial in hand, and the plastic handle provides a secure grip even when you are carefully releasing stored energy from a fully wound mainspring. The universal holder makes it easy to swap between sizes quickly.

Multiple Amazon reviewers with clock repair experience specifically praised the variety of sizes included. One reviewer noted that having all 12 imperial sizes in one tool eliminated the need to search for the right winding key before each repair session. At just over 9 ounces, it is heavy enough to feel durable but light enough for comfortable one-handed operation.

Safety is the primary concern with mainspring let-down tools, and this one does its job well when used correctly. You must stabilize the clock firmly before engaging the tool, as the stored spring energy is significant. The shafts measure approximately 9cm each, giving you enough leverage for controlled release.

Who Should Buy This

This tool is essential for anyone doing clock bushing repair or any movement disassembly. If you work on American or English clocks with imperial-sized winding arbors, the 12 included sizes cover your needs. It is equally useful for hobbyists and professionals who want a safe, all-in-one winding and let-down solution.

What to Watch Out For

This tool covers imperial sizes only. If you primarily work on European or Asian clocks with metric winding arbors, you will need a separate set of metric keys. Also, always clamp the clock movement securely before letting down a mainspring, as the sudden release of tension can damage both the clock and your hands.

4. Jewellers Tools Clock Movement Assembly Supports – 16-Piece Repair Set

After you have replaced bushings and reamed pivot holes, the real challenge begins: reassembling the clock movement without losing gear alignment. The Jewellers Tools 16-piece movement assembly support set gives you the stands and posts needed to hold movement plates horizontal during reassembly, which is a task that is nearly impossible to do well with just your hands.

I found these supports especially useful when working on movements with multiple gear trains. The stands keep the front and back plates parallel and spaced correctly, so you can place gears, pinions, and washers into position without everything collapsing. The set includes 16 pieces, which is enough for most standard clock movements.

The build quality is generally solid for the price, but I did encounter the same issue several reviewers mentioned. Some of the posts are milled slightly too narrow, and a few had incomplete threads. This did not prevent me from using them, but it is a quality control inconsistency worth knowing about. For the price, it is still a practical addition to any clock repair toolkit.

Who Should Buy This

Clock repair hobbyists who regularly disassemble and reassemble movements will get the most value from this set. The supports are particularly helpful when you are working on bushing repairs that require removing and reinstalling multiple gear trains in the same movement.

What to Watch Out For

This product ships from England, so delivery times can be longer than domestic options and shipping costs may add to the total price. Inspect the posts upon arrival for threading issues, and consider running a die over any posts with incomplete threads before use.

5. Drill America 5 Piece Chucking Reamer Set – Precision Reaming for Pivot Holes

Reaming is one of the most critical steps in clock bushing repair. You need to enlarge the worn pivot hole to the exact diameter of your replacement bushing, and the Drill America 5-piece chucking reamer set gives you the precision cutting tools to do that. The set includes sizes from 3/16 inch to 1/2 inch in high speed steel with a straight-flute design.

I tested these reamers on brass clock plates and found the cutting action smooth and predictable. The straight-flute design is recommended for general purpose reaming, and it performed well on the soft brass and steel plates common in clock movements. Each reamer has a 45-degree chamfer on the tip, which helps with entry alignment into the hole.

With 333 customer reviews and a 4.4-star rating, this set has proven itself across a wide range of applications beyond clock repair, including machining work and case reloading. For clock bushing work specifically, the five sizes cover the range you need for most standard bushing installations. The high speed steel holds an edge well on soft metals like brass.

The main limitation for clock repair is that these are imperial sizes only. If you work primarily with metric movements, which is common with German and Swiss clocks, you may need a metric reamer set instead. These reamers are designed for use in drill presses and turret lathes, but they work by hand with a tap wrench for smaller clock plate jobs.

Who Should Buy This

Clock repair enthusiasts who work on American or English movements with imperial measurements will find this set covers most reaming needs. It is also a solid choice for anyone setting up a general-purpose metalworking toolkit that will include clock repair among other tasks.

What to Watch Out For

These reamers are not ideal for hardened metals. Several reviewers reported accelerated dulling when used on cast iron or hardened steel. For clock work on soft brass plates, this is not an issue, but be aware of the limitation if you plan to use them on harder materials. The imperial-only sizing also means metric clock movements will require a separate set.

6. Clock Movement Clamp Assembly 16-Piece Kit – Horizontal Repair Support System

The Clock Movement Clamp Assembly 16-piece kit serves a similar purpose to the Jewellers Tools set above but offers a different design approach. The posts measure approximately 2.75 inches tall, which gives you generous clearance for working on gear trains and pivot holes while the movement plates are held horizontal.

What caught my attention about this kit is the stand-off clip design. The clips allow better visibility when you are placing gears into plates, which is a small but meaningful improvement when you are trying to align tiny pivots into freshly reamed and bushed holes. The clips hold plates securely without blocking your view of the gear train.

The kit weighs just 6 ounces and comes in a compact package measuring 9 x 6 x 3 inches, making it easy to store in a tool drawer or repair case. The lightweight design does not compromise functionality. I found the posts and clips stable enough for typical clock movement reassembly work.

Who Should Buy This

This kit is well-suited for both beginners and experienced clock repairers who want a complete set of movement supports. The stand-off clip design makes it particularly useful if you do a lot of movement reassembly and need clear visibility of the gear train while working.

What to Watch Out For

As a relatively new product with only 2 reviews, this kit has a limited track record compared to established options. The build quality appears solid, but long-term durability is not yet proven through extensive user feedback. Consider it alongside the Jewellers Tools set and choose based on whether the stand-off clip design suits your working style.

7. Horace Whitlock Clock Oil Kit – Complete Cleaning and Oiling System

After you replace bushings and reassemble the movement, proper cleaning and oiling is what keeps the clock running accurately for years. The Horace Whitlock Clock Oil Kit is one of the most complete solutions I have found, and with over 1,268 customer reviews and a 4.7-star rating, it has earned a strong reputation among clock repair enthusiasts.

What sets this kit apart is the completeness. You get 15ml of synthetic clock oil, white grease, cleaning cloths, pith wood cleaning sticks, five oiling pins, an oiling cup, and a magnification loupe. The included link to a 20-page downloadable PDF with color photos and step-by-step instructions is genuinely helpful. I followed the guide on a 1920s Sessions mantel clock and the process was straightforward even for someone doing it the first time.

Horace Whitlock’s team has tested this kit on over 3,000 grandfather clocks, wall clocks, and mantel clocks over the past decade. That kind of real-world validation matters when you are trusting a product with a family heirloom. Multiple reviewers reported successful repairs on clocks that are over 100 years old.

The synthetic oil is odorless and formulated specifically for mechanical clock movements. It is extremely thin, which is exactly what you want for clock pivots, but it also means you need to apply it carefully using the included oiling pins. The loupe helps you see exactly where the oil is going, which is important because over-oiling attracts dust and causes more problems than it solves.

Who Should Buy This

Anyone who owns or repairs mechanical clocks should have this kit. It is perfect for DIY maintenance on grandfather clocks, cuckoo clocks, wall clocks, and mantel clocks. Beginners will appreciate the detailed instructions, while experienced repairers will value the quality oil and complete set of accessories.

What to Watch Out For

The oil is very thin and requires a steady hand during application. First-time users sometimes apply too much because the oil flows quickly from the pin. Practice on a less valuable clock first to get a feel for the right amount. The process is well-documented, but clock repair itself can feel intimidating if you have never opened a movement before.

8. Mascot Wheel and Gear Puller – Controlled Pressure for Safe Gear Removal

When disassembling a clock movement for bushing work, you often need to remove gears, wheels, and hands from their posts without bending or damaging them. The Mascot Wheel and Gear Puller applies controlled, even pressure to push components off their shafts safely. At just 22 grams, it is sized perfectly for the delicate work clock repair demands.

I used this puller on several clock hands and small gears during movement disassembly. The stationary jaw with a 1/8-inch opening fits over most clock arbors, and the center screw applies gradual pressure that pushes the gear or hand straight off the post. The controlled force is much safer than prying with a screwdriver, which can bend components or scratch plates.

The tool measures 5.7 x 3.2 x 0.4 inches, which makes it easy to handle but small enough for precision work. Reviewers on Amazon have successfully used it for model railroad work and slot car gear removal in addition to clock repair. The versatility is a bonus if you do other small mechanical hobby work.

Who Should Buy This

Clock repairers who frequently disassemble movements will find this puller useful for safely removing gears and hands. It is also a good addition to the toolkit for anyone who works on small mechanical devices beyond clocks, including model trains and similar hobbies.

What to Watch Out For

The knob provides limited leverage compared to a wingnut-style puller. For stubborn gears, you may need to apply penetrating oil and wait rather than forcing the issue. Several reviewers noted that the threads can strip under excessive pressure, so work gradually and never force the screw if you feel significant resistance.

9. Jewellers Tools Brass Bushing Wire – Versatile 30+ Piece Wire Assortment

Not every clock repair requires a pre-made bushing. Sometimes you need to create a custom-fit bushing from raw brass wire, and that is exactly what the Jewellers Tools Brass Bushing Wire assortment provides. Each pack contains a minimum of 30 pieces of brass wire ranging from 0.2mm to 4.0mm in diameter, each approximately 6 inches long.

I found this wire assortment useful for situations where the standard pre-made bushings did not match the specific pivot diameter I needed. You can cut a short length of wire, drill the inner diameter to match the pivot, and file the outer diameter to fit the reamed hole. It takes more skill and time than using pre-made bushings, but the ability to create exactly the right size is valuable for unusual or antique movements.

The brass quality is consistent across the assortment, and the 6-inch lengths give you plenty of material to work with. Each piece can be cut into several individual bushings, so one pack goes a long way. At this price point, it is one of the most affordable ways to add custom bushing capability to your toolkit.

Who Should Buy This

Experienced clock repairers who are comfortable making their own bushings will appreciate the flexibility this wire provides. It is also useful for repairers working on unusual or antique movements where standard pre-made bushing sizes may not be available.

What to Watch Out For

Creating bushings from wire requires additional tools including a drill press, small drill bits, files, and broaches. If you do not already have these tools, the total investment will be higher than just the cost of the wire. This product is not Prime eligible, so shipping times may be longer than other options on this list.

10. Bergeon 55-033 Hand Setting Tool – Swiss-Made Precision for Clock Repair

When your clock bushing repair work is done and the movement is reassembled, you need to reinstall the hands precisely without bending them or pushing them too far onto the arbor. The Bergeon 55-033 Hand Setting Tool is a Swiss-made instrument designed specifically for this task, and it does the job with the kind of precision you expect from Bergeon.

The tool includes eight tips: one cone-shaped, one nylon, and six sized tips measuring 0.30mm, 0.50mm, 0.70mm, 1.15mm, 1.50mm, and 1.70mm. Each tip fits into a holder that seats into the 50mm nickel-plated base. The heavy chrome-plated steel construction gives the tool a reassuring heft and balance that translates to controlled hand installation.

I tested this tool on several clock hand installations and the sized tips make a real difference. Instead of pressing hands onto arbors with a generic hollow punch and hoping for the best, you select the tip that matches the arbor diameter. The tip applies even pressure around the hand hub, preventing the tilted or bent installations that cause hands to rub against the dial or each other.

Bergeon is one of the most respected names in horological tools, and the build quality of this hand setter reflects that reputation. The chrome plating is smooth and durable, the tips are precisely machined, and the holder mechanism works smoothly after a brief break-in period. One note: the tips may fit loosely in the holder when the tool is new. A light squeeze on the retaining tab tightens them up.

Who Should Buy This

Professional clock and watch repairers who demand precision tools will find this Bergeon hand setter worth every penny. It is also a smart investment for serious hobbyists who frequently reinstall clock hands and want to avoid the common problems of bent hands and misaligned installations.

What to Watch Out For

The tips can fall out of the holder when the tool is brand new. Gently squeeze the retaining tab on the holder to tighten the grip before your first use. Also, inspect the tool upon arrival, as some reviewers have received previously returned products sold as new. The base has no felt or rubber padding on the bottom, so consider adding a self-adhesive pad to protect your work surface.

11. Bergeon 7404 Watch Hands Setting Tool – Professional 3-Piece Assortment

The Bergeon 7404 is a simpler, more focused hand setting tool compared to the 55-033 above. This three-piece assortment provides Swiss-made hand setters that work well for smaller clock hands and watch hands. If the 55-033 is your main clock hand tool, the 7404 is an excellent companion for finer work on smaller arbors.

I used this tool on a small carriage clock and found the three included sizes covered the hand installations I needed. The tools are simple in design but precise in execution, which is exactly what you expect from Bergeon’s Swiss manufacturing. They apply even pressure without flexing, so hands go on straight every time.

Several reviewers noted that while the price is higher than generic alternatives, the quality difference is immediately apparent. Cheaper hand setting tools often have rough edges or inconsistent sizing that can mark or bend hands. The Bergeon 7404 avoids those issues entirely with clean machining and smooth contact surfaces.

Who Should Buy This

Watch and small clock repairers who need precision hand setting tools will benefit from this three-piece assortment. It is especially useful for professional repairers who want reliable, repeatable results on delicate hand installations without the risk of damaging components.

What to Watch Out For

The three-piece set has a limited range of sizes compared to the eight-tip 55-033 above. For larger clock hands, you will still need a separate tool. Some users mentioned that a lever-style hand remover would be a useful complement to this pusher-style tool, especially for removing hands that are already tightly seated on their arbors.

How to Choose the Right Clock Bushing Repair Tool System in 2026?

Building a complete clock bushing repair toolkit means understanding which tools you actually need and which ones can wait. I have been through the process of assembling a kit from scratch, and the choices can feel overwhelming when you are starting out. Here is what I learned from forum discussions on NAWCC, Reddit, and hands-on experience.

Start With Bushings and Broaches

Every clock bushing repair begins with the bushings themselves and a way to fit them. A bulk brass bushing assortment like the TAURISH or FindingKing 100-piece sets gives you the raw material. You also need cutting broaches or hand reamers to enlarge the worn pivot hole and broach the bushing inner diameter to match the pivot. As one Reddit user put it, a set of broaches, a reaming set, hammer, and file is enough to get started on a budget.

Understand KWM vs Bergeon Systems

The two dominant bushing tool systems in clock repair are KWM and Bergeon. KWM is a German system that uses a specific set of reamers, bushings, and a centering tool designed to work together. Bergeon is a Swiss system with its own matching components. The NAWCC forum community generally recommends KWM bushings for beginners, with packs of 20 in 1.4mm and 1.9mm thicknesses being good starter sizes. Both systems are excellent, but they are not interchangeable. Once you commit to one system, you will want to stay with it for consistency across your repair work.

Bushing Machine vs Hand Reaming

Professional clockmakers often use a bushing machine, which is a specialized drill press setup that holds the clock plate and ensures the reamer enters the pivot hole perfectly perpendicular. Hand reaming with a broach or hand reamer in a pin vise is the budget alternative. A Facebook group member with 50 years of experience noted that he has been restoring clocks without a bushing machine the entire time. Hand methods work, but they require more skill and patience to avoid enlarging the hole at an angle.

Movement Supports Are Not Optional

Trying to reassemble a clock movement while holding both plates with your hands is a recipe for frustration and damaged pivots. Movement assembly supports like the Jewellers Tools or Clock Movement Clamp 16-piece kits hold the plates horizontal and parallel, freeing both your hands for gear placement. This is one of those tools you do not realize you need until you try reassembling a movement without it.

Safety Tools Come First

Before disassembling any clock movement, you must safely let down the mainspring. A winding and let-down tool like the TAURISH model should be one of your first purchases. Mainsprings store significant energy, and releasing it improperly can damage the movement or cause injury. Clean your clock after reassembly with a proper oil kit rather than household oils, which attract dust and can corrode brass over time.

FAQs

Wrapping Up the Best Clock Bushing Repair Tool Systems

Assembling the right clock bushing repair tool systems takes some planning, but the payoff is worth it. With the tools covered in this guide, you can handle everything from identifying worn pivot holes to installing precision bushings, reassembling movements, and properly oiling the finished repair. Professional repair quotes of $300 to $400 make the case for building your own toolkit pretty convincing.

For beginners, I recommend starting with the TAURISH 100-piece brass bushing assortment for bushings, adding a set of cutting broaches, and pairing those with the Horace Whitlock Clock Oil Kit for post-repair maintenance. As your skills develop, invest in the Bergeon 55-033 Hand Setting Tool for precise hand installations and movement assembly supports for easier reassembly.

The clock bushing repair tool systems available in 2026 range from basic budget assortments to professional Swiss-made instruments, and every product on this list has been vetted through real customer reviews and community feedback from clock repair forums. Pick the tools that match your current skill level, and upgrade as your expertise grows. Your clocks will thank you for it.