Tag: Articles

Posted on by

K&D Balance Staff Tools

People know Kendrick and Davis or K&D for their staking sets. From 1903 – 1997, the company owned the staking tool market.

People also knew K&D for their other tools and accessories. Recently, I tried to chase down one of their model train engine catalogs, for example. I would like to see that.

During K&D’s prime years, you could consider them comparable in design and quality to today’s Bergeon tools.

I buy and use vintage K&D tools. You can guess that my staking set belongs to the K&D family.

Here are some other tools I have found useful for staffing balance wheels.

The balance block can be used like a staking frame die-plate on which to hold the balance. People use the curved collet fork to remove the balance spring.

You can consider the adjustable balance table removers stumps as essential.

Once you restaff the balance wheel and use your punches and stumps to remount the everything, the collet wrench helps you line up the components of the escape mechanism and put the watch “in beat.”

They’re still useful today.

(click on any image to see it individual in a larger format).

Posted on by

Balance Staff Tools – Roller Table Removers K&D and Rex

K&D made adjustable roller removers styled after the Rex product. K&D manufactured their first product  iteration as a small one. It has the same catalog number as the second or updated version. All three do the same job with the same style stump. The balance staff is placed inside the open stump. The stump is turned until it tightened. The same style punch is used to push the staff enough for the table to loose and the balance wheel falls out inside the stump. 

Today, the Rex is the most economical choice. K&D’s kit would sell for around two to three times as much in the used or after market.

First Iteration
Styled after Rex

Too expensive

Posted on by

Instructions for Use – K&D Kendrick & Davis Balance Staff Remover 50 & 50B

Directions

Select proper hole in Staking Tool die to let hub of staff through: place balance with staff to be removed in same. Set remover over same and insert its pu!1ch through staking tool and
main body of remover. Holding punch in position over.. pivot with finger of right hand tighten knurled remover nut upwards against staking tool arm.

Stop arm of remover will swing against body of Staking Tool and prevent body of tool turning while tightening knurled sleeve. Do not over tighten this sleeve:

it is not necessary. Now strike punch a sharp blow with light hammer and staff will come
out without injury to Balance; riveting of staff simply being sheared off.

NO. 50 BALANCE STAFF REMOVER

In ordering our No. 50 measure the gap between your Staking Tool die and bottom of Goose Neck. Table below will show the size

No. 50 which will fit your Staking Tool.

“K.& D” No. 50 Will fit any S. T. Staking Tools No. Sizes Die Gap of #18 Series #600 Series
1 1-8in. ‘7-8in. 1 3.16in. 1 1-16in.

All the above No. 50 sizes can be furnished for Bracelet size Balances but in ordering add
the letter “B”.


Posted on by

K&D Manufacturing Co. 18R Deluxe Circa 1995

This is a  K&D 18R Deluxe Staking Set in Mint Condition. Made in the mid-1990’s, it sold new for $1500. This is one of the finest staking sets ever made.

On December 18, 2013, the sale price for this set at auction went for

US $291.69













Extended Staking Tools

  • Frame Complete with Die Plate, Micrometer Stop (latest version); Lever and handle 43-118-01
  • 100 Customer Selected Punches and 20 Stumps
  • Balance Staff Removers 43-355, 43-360
  • Two adjustable Roller Remover Stumps 43-305, 305B
  • 2 Canon Pinion Closing Punches and Stumps 
  • Incabloc punches and stumps No. 20A, 21A, 22A and stumps No. 62, 67
  • 10 Sub-punches and their holder 43-316

Jeweling Tools

  • 7 Jewel Pushers and holder 43-321
  • 18 Jeweling Reamers & holder 43-322B
  • 6 Friction Jeweling Stumps 43-324
  • Cone Miller 43 401- 130
  • Hardwood Box 43-118-03 – Blond Color 
Posted on by

K&D Kendrick and Davis 18B Inverto Staking Frame

The Model 18B staking frame is the sturdiest frame made by K&D. It’s the successor to the Model 17.  The Company manufactured these for  watchmakers wanting a large die plate and a strong anvil.

This frame shipped without jeweling tools, however, K&D made a jeweling attachment if a watchmaker wanted that functionality. Before K&D added jeweling capabilities to their frames, many watchmakers bought a K&D Inverto and coupled it with a Seitz Jewel Staking Set.

K&D made the 18B for watchmakers who wanted a large die plate and a heavy base.

Note the difference between the 18B and the Model 600. The 18B frame has a 50mm diameter and the 600 has a 35mm diameter die plate.The model 600 is smaller overall and made for hobbyists.

Also note the difference between the model 18B and the 18R Deluxe. It’s difficult to tell, but the 18R has a 45mm die plate versus the the 18B’s 50mm.

Warning: You may find a model 600 advertised as an 18R. K&D shipped the smaller frame in an 18R box. People that do not know the difference will claim the kit is an 18R.

Posted on by

K&D Kendrick and Davis Balance Staff Remover W/ Directions



This is K&D No. 43-350B. Also referred to as the 50B





K&D bundled this model and its punch with their top of the line Inverto 18R Deluxe Staking sets. They also sold the 50 & 50B components as an accessories..



When you see a “B” next to a K&D product number, you can count on that being for “bracelet” – an older term meaning wrist or strap watch as opposed to pocket watches.

This is a valuable tool for extracting staffs quickly and efficiently. The balance arms are protected against distortion and splitting as long as you use the bundled punch. All parts except the punch are satin chromium plated. The punch is hardened, tempered steel. The 50B, as opposed to the model 50, fits wristwatches only. 

The 43-350B with its accompanying punch, 50B, is difficult to find.
You have to take care in choosing this tool. The sub-punch on the end of the 50B stake bends easily. I’ve seen them sheared off. If you attempt to take the bend out you should have agility working with staking tools. The K&D staff remover is basically worthless without the correct punch with a straight extension and clean hole for the staff. If you don’t have that, the staff will not come out cleanly. You’ll have over banking and end shake.



DIRECTIONS

Select proper hole in Staking Tool die to let hub of staff through: place balance with staff to be removed in same. Set remover over same and insert its pu!1ch through staking tool and
main body of remover. Holding punch in position over.. pivot with finger of right hand tighten knurled remover nut upwards against staking tool arm.

Stop arm of remover will swing against body of Staking Tool and prevent body of tool turning while tightening knurled sleeve. Do not over tighten this sleeve:

it is not necessary. Now strike punch a sharp blow with light hammer and staff will come
out without injury to Balance; riveting of staff simply being sheared off.

NO. 50 BALANCE STAFF REMOVER

In ordering our No. 50 measure the gap between your Staking Tool die and bottom of Goose Neck. Table below will show the size

No. 50 which will fit your Staking Tool.

“K.& D” No. 50 Will fit any S. T. Staking Tools No. Sizes Die Gap of #18 Series #600 Series
1 1-8in. ‘7-8in. 1 3.16in. 1 1-16in.

All the above No. 50 sizes can be furnished for Bracelet size Balances but in ordering add
the letter “B”.

Posted on by

Sale Price of 18R Deluxe September 24, 2013


This set went for $331

This is a complete K&D Inverto 18R DeLuxe. Most horologists say it is the finest Staking Tool Kit ever made. One could sell the individual components for more than most models of this kit sell for on eBay.

Items included

No. 43-355 & 360 Balance Staff Removers
No. 401-130 Cone Miller
No. 43-118-01 Frame complete with Die Plate, MICROMETER stop and lever
No. 118-03 Wood Box
No. 305 B and 305 C Adjustable Roller Remover Stumps
No. 43-316 10 Sub-Punches and Holder
No. 43-31 7 Jewel Pushers & Holder
No.  322 B 18 Jeweling Reamers & Holder
No. 43 -323 & 323 B Canon Pinion Closing Punches & Stumps
No. 43-324 6 Friction Jeweling Stumps
100 Selected Punches
20 Selected Stumps
The user manual K&D Staking Tools and How to Use Them for the Inverto 18R Deluxe and 18R (23 pages).
The punches are made of hardened, tempered steel with satin finish – easy to maintain. The stumps are made of both hardened and soft steel to accommodate the tools you will need.
The Micrometer Stop lever is useful for any jeweling work you might perform.
The set is reconditioned. For example, maintenance was performed by non-toxic solution-rinsing, hand buffing and oiling each punch. Rinsing and buffing the stumps. Complete over-haul of the frame including cleaning, oil and buffing each component.
Each stake, stump and tools are in the original slots as the set came from K&D. 
If you have looked at newer sets by other manufacturers, you will know that no one has ever made a product this good. 

Posted on by

Sale Price of 18R Deluxe – October 30, 2013

This set went for $293.
This is a complete 18-R Deluxe Staking Tool Set with Accessories

Extended Staking Tools
Frame Complete with Die Plate, Micrometer Stop and Lever and handle 43-118-01
100 Customer Selected Punches and 20 Stumps
Balance Staff Removers 43-355, 43-360
Two adjustable Roller Remover Stumps 43-305, 305B
2 Canon Pinion Closing Punches and Stumps 
2 Incabloc punches and 2 stumps No. 20A, 21A and 62, 67
10 Sub-punches and holder 43-316
Jeweling Tools
7 Jewel Pushers and holder 43-321
18 Jeweling Reamers & holder 43-322B
6 Friction Jeweling Stumps 43-324
Cone Miller 43 401- 130
Container
Hardwood Box 43-118-03
The user manual K&D Staking Tools and How to Use Them for the Inverto 18R Deluxe and 18R (23 pages).

This set is complete as configured by K&D for the original buyer. It includes all the items listed in the description above which matches the description of the 43-119 18-R Deluxe Staking Tool Set in the K&D catalog.  K&D made over 150 different punches and over 75 unique stumps, not including those made before 1948. You will not find every punch, for example, listed in the K&D manual in this set as they never sold one with over 100 stakes and 20 stumps at once.  K&D made sets with 30, 60, 80 and 100 punches accompanied by either 10 or 20 stumps. Specifically, the pallet arbor punches and center wheel pinion punches are not shipped with the standard 18R. Also, some punches such as numbers 57 and 87 were discontinued by K&D sometime during the 1940 war years. 
The punches are made of hardened, tempered steel with satin finish – easy to maintain. The stumps are made of both hardened and soft steel to accommodate the tools you will need. Each tool is in its original slot as configured by Kendrick and Davis. I reconditioned this set by solution-rinsing, hand buffing and lightly oiling each punch while rinsing and buffing the stumps; complete over-haul of the frame including cleaning, oiling and buffing each component.  The hardwood box is refinished.
The manual mentioned above explains the steps in Friction Jeweling. You’ll find the 32 components under “Jeweling Tools”, which are equal to or better than those produced by other manufacturers even today. If you choose to use the jeweling capabilities of the 18R Deluxe then you will appreciate the Micrometer setting component and the stop lever.  
About K&D Inverto frames. 
The Inverto principle  allows a stake to slide into the the arm of the tool upside down into the die plate so that only the tip of the stake protrudes above the die plate. Each stake can be used as a stump. With 100 stakes, the Inverto offers 10,000 stake-stump combinations. Photo number 4 illustrates the use of the Inverto capability. Watchmakers use this capability when restaffing or repairing balances.
Shipping weight is 12.5 pounds. Punches are packaged out of their holders, so they won’t spill during delivery. They’re separated by row number and side.

Posted on by

Sale Price of 18R Deluxe – November 24, 2013

Sales price at auction: $307.22

This is a K&D Inverto 18-R Deluxe Staking Tool Set and Accessories.


Extended Staking Tools

  • Frame Complete with Die Plate, Micrometer Stop and Lever and handle 43-118-01
  • 100 Customer Selected Punches and 20 Stumps
  • Balance Staff Removers 43-355, 43-360
  • Two adjustable Roller Remover Stumps 43-305, 305B
  • 10 Sub-punches and holder 43-316
Jeweling Tools
  • 7 Jewel Pushers and holder 43-321
  • 18 Jeweling Reamers & holder 43-322B
  • 6 Friction Jeweling Stumps 43-324
  • Cone Miller 43 401- 130
Container
  • Hardwood Box 43-118-03 – In used condition.
  • The user manual K&D Staking Tools and How to Use Them for the Inverto 18R Deluxe and 18R (23 pages)
This set is complete as configured by K&D for the original buyer. It includes all the items listed in the description above which matches the description of the 43-119 18-R Deluxe Staking Tool Set in the K&D catalog.  K&D made over 150 different punches and over 75 unique stumps, not including those made before 1948. You will not find every punch, for example, listed in the K&D manual in this set as they didn’t offer 18R sets with over 100 stakes and 20 stumps at once.  K&D made sets with 30, 60, 80 and 100 punches accompanied by either 10 or 20 stumps. Specifically, the pallet arbor punches are not shipped with the standard 18R. Also, some stakes such as numbers 57 and 87 were discontinued by K&D sometime during the 1940 war years. 
The punches are made of hardened, tempered steel with satin finish – easy to maintain. The stumps are made of both hardened and soft steel to accommodate the tools you will need. Each tool is in its original slot as configured by Kendrick and Davis for the buyer. I examined each tool. I recondition some punches by rising with a non-toxic solution, hand buffing and lightly oiling the punch or stump. If a punch, stump or accessory looks like it has rust or is soiled in the photos, it’s only a reflection. 
The hardwood box is in good condition – structurally sound and made of hardwood. It’s not damaged or dried out. 
About K&D Inverto frames. 
The Inverto principle  allows a stake to slide into the the arm of the tool upside down into the die plate so that only the tip of the stake protrudes above the die plate. Each stake can be used as a stump. With 100 stakes, the Inverto offers 10,000 stake-stump combinations. Photo number 4 illustrates the use of the Inverto capability. Watch makes use this capability when restaffing or repairing balances.
Shipping weight is 12.5 pounds. Punches are packaged out of their holders, so they won’t spill during delivery. They’re separated by row number and side. No international delivery – Untied States only.

Posted on by

K&D and Moseley Staking Tool Manuals with Compatibility Chart – Downloads

You will probably discover the difficulty in finding staking tool manuals. If you look at the cost of the 1910 K&D book – Staking Tools and How to Use Them, you know people ask a ridiculously high price for this out-of-date book. I believe it’s still the best book available. You won’t sell coverage the the tools and the punches numbers and sizes elsewhere.

I have created a Cross-Over Chart. You can take any K&D number and see it’s corresponding equivalent in Marshall, Boley, Bergeon, Star and so forth. You can download it here.

Cross-Over-Guide Download

Some of us are just getting started so I have provided free downloads of two manuals found on the Internet after weeks of searching. You may download them by clicking on the link.

Good luck to you!

If you want to take a look at what’s available on eBay, here’s another link you will like.