MANIPULATION OF THE REGULATOR PINS
[37.]Altering the Length of Spring by Regulator Pins.
On some occasions when the pinning points seem to be comparatively close and the watch is in good condition with the balance in poise, it is possible to obtain corrections by closing or opening the regulator pins.
This, however, can only be resorted to, to a limited extent, as otherwise the value of the regulator may be impaired.
The pins should not be closed tight enough to cause "kinking" of the over coil and they should not be spread apart any more than enough to make the mean rate about 2 seconds per hour slower.
Some models of watches consistently require that the pins be closed, while other models require that they be slightly spread, and it is therefore advisable not to disturb the pins when cleaning watches unless they have been bent by incompetent hands.
It is better to reserve the majority of pin alterations for such time as the position rate determines the necessity of an alteration. When the pins are open, however, it is necessary to adjust the coil so that its vibration will be equal.
Correct execution in spreading or closing the pins will very often make it possible to obtain a correction of six or eight seconds between the vertical and horizontal positions.
[38.]Method of Examining Vibration of Over Coil Between the Pins.
The proper method of examining this vibration is to stop the balance and observe the movement of the coil between the pins.