I have a large number of analog clocks that I use in my scholastic tournaments. Aa number these clocks are frozen due to kids (and maybe even some adults) overwinding the one side of the clock.
Sometimes I can unfreeze a clock by pressing the buttons back and forth many times. I keep the offending clocks in my kitchen and press one side of the buttons every time I pass by for several days. I free up some this way and return them to the fleet.
Some clocks have one side that never returns to life. Are there any other tricks to to get these analogs ticking again?
What model analog clock are they? If they’re the old BHB ones, the part of the button mechanism that stops the clocks may be bent. Those clocks are fairly easy to take apart. Even if you’ve got a clock mechanism or two that’s unrepairable, you might be able to salvage enough parts to get some working clocks.
Another way to start an analog clock would be to give it a quick twist in the plane of its faces. (I don’t mean to try to twist the clock like a facecloth) Hold the clock so you can see one of the faces and quickly turn it like you are turning a doorknob. The side not in contact with the balance wheel should start ticking.