To replace a square in a ratchet wheel select a suitable key. Make a hole in the ratchet wheel the same size as the key shank and chamfer front and back. Cut a piece from the key slightly thicker than the wheel. Lastly, solder the piece into the ratchet wheel. Please do this properly, dry solder joints are the bane of my life.
Gong squares are quite complicated because they are made to perform several tasks so it is best to replace the “square” section only, unless of course the entire gong is missing. Make sure you mark the position of the damaged square, if this is altered, the way the hammer falls will change and be detrimental to its operation. Measure every- thing taking particular care with the hole for the tapered pin. Next remove the hammer wire. Hold the boss in your lathe, select the largest drill (but not larger than the key) to drill right through the boss. If the hole is too small you may find that when you machine the key to suit the hole the square becomes too weak. After machining the key shank, soft solder into the hub and drill the pin hole making sure the brass square is down to the shoulder of the ar- bour. It may also be necessary to drill the hole for the gong wire a little deeper to make it secure.
