Straightening clock pivots is not an exact science and too often a pivot will break off as the attempt is made making it necessary to re-pivot the wheel yourself or send it away to have done. This is a costly exercise in both time and money. As long as the pivot is not too badly bent it can be readily straightened with nothing but a lollipop stick. First enjoy the lollipop, it probably is the best way to remove it and although you can use any small stick it is not quite as enjoyable.
The assumption is you do have a lathe, not to have one severely limits what you should be able to do. Choose your wheel and then select a collet which fits the pivot exactly. Secure the collet in the lathe and fit the wheel pivot into it. Do not use the lathe motor but turn the lathe by hand, it becomes quite obvious how much the pivot is bent, leave the wheel stationary at it’s highest point.
Take your “stick” and give the wheel a sharp tap as far away from the pivot end as is practical. The weight of the stick is sufficient to bend the wheel down against the pivot. Turn the wheel again and you will see how much more needs to be done. A few more light taps and the pivot is dead straight once more and normal polishing and burnish- ing will bring it up as new. Warning , do not use your 6mm lathe if you are trying to straighten large pivots.
