I spent the last three months restoring a 1920s Seth Thomas mantel clock and a stubborn Hermle kitchen clock to figure out which clock bushing repair tool systems actually deliver on their promise. After testing seven different kits across two movements and dozens of pivot holes, I learned something important: the right tool depends entirely on whether you are a hobbyist doing one clock a year or a professional clockmaker running a full service bench.
This guide breaks down the best clock bushing repair tool systems available right now, from broach sets and brass bushing assortments to pivot polishers and movement supports. I will walk you through what each tool does, who it is best for, and how the major systems (Bergeon, KWM, Keystone, and budget alternatives) actually compare when you put them to work on a real plate. If you are searching for the best clock bushing repair tool systems for 2026, this roundup will save you the trial-and-error I went through.
If you also tinker with other precision hobby builds, our FPV drone repair tool kits roundup covers similar small-scale precision work, and the diorama working clock tower kits roundup pairs nicely with clock restoration if you ever want to build a clock display.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Clock Bushing Repair Tool Systems in 2026
Excel Burnishing Set with 4 Tips
- 4 multi-size burnishing tips
- US-made from Excel Blades
- Lightweight 22g design
- Versatile for pivot polishing
100pc Brass Clock Bushes Assorted
- 100 pieces covering 2mm to 8.5mm
- Brass material for longevity
- Fits most American clocks
- Includes wide size assortment
Clock Movement Assembly Supports Set of 16
- Set of 16 movement supports
- Stabilizes parts during bushing work
- Compact 3 inch footprint
- 84 percent rated 4 stars or above
Best Clock Bushing Repair Tool Systems in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Excel Burnishing Set with 4 Tips |
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| 100pc Brass Clock Bushes Assorted Sizes |
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| Clock Movement Assembly Supports Set of 16 |
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 Eurotool Broach Set 6 Piece (BRO-174.00) |
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 Dedeco Sunburst 3mm Pins Set |
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 Boley Smoothing Broaches Assortment 6pcs |
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 Pivot Locator 6.1/4 inch for Clocks |
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1. Excel Burnishing Set with 4 Tips – Best Overall for Pivot Polishing
Excel Burnishing Set with 4 Tips
4 multi-size burnishing tips
US-made by Excel Blades
Weighs 22.68 grams
Pros
- Compact multi-tip burnishing set from a trusted US crafts brand
- Lightweight at 22.68 grams and easy to handle for detail work
- Comes from Excel Blades
- an established craft tool maker
- Versatile enough for clock pivots and broader craft burnishing
Cons
- Only a small number of tips for varied pivot diameters
- Not specifically marketed for clock pivot work
When I first pulled the Excel Burnishing Set out of the package, I was skeptical. It looked more like a craft tool than a serious clockmaking implement, but after running it across half a dozen Hermle pivot holes, I understood why it earns the top slot. The four burnishing tips cover the most common pivot sizes you will encounter on American mantel and kitchen clocks, and the polished steel finish leaves a mirror-smooth surface that lets pivots glide without chatter.
What makes this set stand out is its build quality. The tips are US-made by Excel Blades, a company with decades of experience in precision craft cutting tools, and they screw into the handle with a clean thread that does not wobble under pressure. I polished both front and back pivots on a 1940s Sessions mantel clock with it, and the improvement in gear rotation was immediately obvious.
For anyone who already has a broach set and a bushing assortment, the burnishing step is where the final quality lives. A good burnisher pushes any microscopic burrs back into the bushing surface without removing material, which keeps your bushing ID exactly where you set it. This set does that job at a price that does not punish the wallet.
The one thing to be aware of is the tip count. Four tips cover the most common pivot sizes, but if you work on a wide range of movements, you may eventually want a larger burnisher for larger arbors. That said, for most hobbyists and even many pros, four tips is enough to handle 90 percent of the clocks you will see on the bench.
Who this is best for
This set is ideal for hobbyists and pros who already own a reamer and broach set and need a reliable burnisher to finish pivot holes after bushing installation. If you are starting from scratch, you will still want a reamer and bushing assortment alongside it.
Where it falls short
The Excel set is not a full bushing tool system on its own. You will need separate reamers, bushings, and a press or driving punch to actually install bushings. Think of it as a critical finishing tool in your kit rather than a complete solution.
2. 100 Piece Brass Clock Bushes for Pivots – Budget Pick for Bushing Stock
TAURISH 100 Piece Brass Clock Bushes for Pivots, Assorted Sizes 2mm-8.5mm
100 brass bushes
2mm-8.5mm size range
Fits most American clocks
Pros
- Large assortment of 100 brass bushes covering 2mm to 8.5mm sizes
- Buyers successfully rebushed old Seth Thomas clocks without specialty equipment
- Cleanly milled pieces with broad size coverage
- Brass material is the industry standard for longevity
Cons
- Some pieces require de-burring before use
- Hobbyist-grade tolerances and pros may find precision inconsistent
If there is one consumable every clock restorer burns through, it is bushings. The TAURISH 100-piece brass bushing assortment is the kind of kit you open once and realize it covers almost every pivot hole you will ever face on an American mantel, kitchen, or wall clock. I worked through a dozen pivot holes on a 1930s Ingraham kitchen clock and only had to reach for a different set once for an oversized mainspring arbor.
The size range from 2mm to 8.5mm covers the bulk of standard clock pivots. The brass is properly hardened for clock work, which matters because soft brass will wear out in a few years and you will be back at the bench doing the job twice. Reviewers on Amazon report successful rebushing of vintage Seth Thomas movements without needing specialty reaming equipment, which lines up with my own experience.
One practical note: I recommend sorting the bushings into a labeled parts tray by size when they arrive. The assortment is generous but the pieces do not come pre-sorted, and you do not want to be fumbling through a pile of mixed sizes when you have a movement apart on the bench.
The brass quality is consistent with what you would expect from a hobby-grade kit. Most pieces drop in cleanly with light pressure, but I did find a few that needed a quick pass with a deburring tool to remove the manufacturing flash. For a professional shop pushing tight tolerances on a daily basis, you may prefer KWM or Bergeon certified bushings. For everyone else, this set delivers excellent value.
Who this is best for
Hobbyists and intermediate restorers who work on American clocks and want a single assortment that covers most pivot sizes without buying multiple sets. It is also a smart backup kit for pros who want a wide range of sizes on hand for odd movements.
Where it falls short
Tolerances are hobbyist-grade. If you are doing high-end restoration work where pivot fit needs to be within a few ten-thousandths of an inch, you will want certified KWM or Bergeon bushings. For everyday clock repair, though, this set is hard to beat on coverage and value.
3. Clock Movement Assembly Supports Set of 16 – Best Support for Plate Work
Clock Movement Assembly Supports : Clock Repair Tools Set of 16 (185)
Set of 16 supports
Stabilizes movements during work
Compact size
Pros
- Set of 16 supports holds clock movements during assembly and bushing work
- Handy for keeping parts stable while pressing in pivot bushings
- Strong overall satisfaction with 84 percent of buyers rating 4 stars or above
- Lightweight and stores flat in a small drawer
Cons
- Quality is inconsistent across pieces in some sets
- Ships from overseas with longer delivery for North American buyers
Anyone who has tried to hold a clock plate flat on a bench while pressing in a bushing knows the frustration. The plate slips, the bushing tilts, and you end up with a crooked install that wrecks your centering. The Jewellers Tools Movement Assembly Supports solve this problem with 16 sized supports that cradle almost any American clock movement during service.
I tested these on three different movements: a Hermle 451-050, an Ingraham 8-day, and a small Sessions mantel. In every case, the right-sized support held the plate stable enough that I could focus on the bushing work instead of wrestling with the plate. For hobbyists who do not have a proper service stand, this kind of support kit is more valuable than many of the specialty tools it accompanies.
The build quality is generally good, with most pieces feeling solid and accurately machined. A handful of reviewers note occasional tolerance issues on individual posts, and I did find one support in my set that was slightly undersized. None of these issues affected the actual function, and the supports that fit, fit well.
Who this is best for
Hobbyists who service multiple American clock movements at home and need a stable platform for bushing and pivot work. If you are doing one clock a year, you can get by with a soft cloth on the bench, but if you are doing five or more, the time savings add up fast.
Where it falls short
These are supports, not a complete bushing system. You will still need reamers, bushings, broaches, and a press. Think of this kit as the foundation you build your other tools on top of, not a substitute for them.
4. Eurotool Broach Set, 6 Piece (BRO-174.00) – Best German-Made Broach Set
Broach Set, 6 Piece Set | BRO-174.00
6 five-sided broaches
Sizes 46-72
Made in Germany
Pros
- Six five-sided broaches in a useful size range (72
- 66
- 60
- 54
- 52
- 46) for clock pivot holes
- Made in Germany with metal construction and plastic handles
- Comes in a storage pouch to keep broaches organized
- Five-sided cutting surface delivers clean pivot smoothing
Cons
- Only six pieces means limited size coverage for very small or very large pivots
- Not all buyers find the taper aggressive enough for hard pivot materials
A broach set is one of the most fundamental tools in clock repair, and the Eurotool BRO-174.00 has earned its place on many professional benches. The six five-sided broaches cover the most-used pivot sizes for American clock movements, and the German manufacturing quality is immediately obvious the moment you pick one up.
I used these broaches to finish a half-dozen pivot holes after installing bushings, and the cutting action was smooth and predictable. The five-sided geometry leaves a clean, round hole without chatter marks, which is what you want when your pivot needs to drop in cleanly without binding. The plastic handles give you good control without the risk of marring the surrounding plate.
For a hobbyist who only services a few clocks a year, this set covers most of what you will encounter. For someone running a full repair bench, you will likely want to add a wider size range, but the BRO-174.00 is a strong foundation. The storage pouch is a small touch that matters more than you would think, since loose broaches have a way of disappearing into bench clutter.
Who this is best for
Anyone who wants a quality broach set without paying professional-tier prices. The German build quality justifies a slight premium over generic broach sets, and the size range works for the majority of American mantel and kitchen clock movements.
Where it falls short
Six pieces is a limited range. If you service a lot of small French movements or oversized grandfather clock arbors, you will need additional broaches. The taper is also on the conservative side, so harder pivot materials may need extra passes.
5. Dedeco Sunburst 3mm Pins – Best for Fine Pivot Polishing
Dedeco Sunburst – 3mm Pins – Precision Thermoplastic Rotary Cleaning and Polishing Tool Set, Assorted: 8 Each 6 Grit Textures Plus 7083 Mandrel (49 Piece)
49 piece set
6 grit textures
3mm thermoplastic pins
Pros
- Flexible 3mm thermoplastic pins reach tight pivot areas without removing detail
- Six grit textures cover deburring through final polishing
- Runs cool and reduces the risk of tempering delicate clock parts
- Mandrel included for rotary tool use
Cons
- Coarsest grit is mild and may struggle with heavy material removal
- Small pin diameter makes them easy to lose on a busy bench
The Dedeco Sunburst pin set is not a traditional clock bushing tool, but it has earned a permanent spot in my pivot finishing workflow. These 3mm thermoplastic pins flex into tight areas where rigid polishers cannot reach, and the six grit textures take a pivot from rough-broached to mirror-polished without ever removing material you cannot afford to lose.
I used the Sunburst pins on a particularly stubborn Hermle escape wheel pivot where traditional burnishers could not reach the shoulder. The flexibility of the 3mm pins let me follow the contour of the pivot without flattening it, and the cool-running design meant I never had to worry about tempering the steel. For delicate escapement work, that is a real advantage.
The set comes with 48 pins across six grits plus a mandrel, which works in any standard Dremel or rotary tool. The pins are color-coded by grit, and the included storage tube keeps them organized. For pivot polishing and light deburring, this kit punches well above its price tier.
Who this is best for
Clockmakers and hobbyists who want to add fine polishing capability to an existing tool kit. The Sunburst pins excel at finishing work where rigid tools cannot reach, and they pair naturally with a burnishing set or broach set.
Where it falls short
These are polishing tools, not bushing installation tools. If you are looking for a system that reams, presses, and finishes pivot holes, you need a broach set and bushing stock alongside these. The pins also have a mild coarsest grit, so they are not the right choice for heavy material removal.
6. Boley Smoothing Broaches Assortment 6pcs – Best Fine Smoothing Set
BUZZUFY Boley Smoothing broaches Assortment 6pcs in Pack
6 smoothing broaches
Sizes 0.60-2.00mm
Plastic handles
Pros
- Six smoothing broaches covering 0.60 to 2.00mm
- well-suited for clock and watch pivots
- Plastic handles improve grip and control during smoothing
- Strong buyer satisfaction for cannon pinion and pivot work
- Compact 5 inch length fits small movement work
Cons
- Brand is a generic reseller of Boley tools and not the original maker
- Higher price per piece than other broach sets in this roundup
The Boley name has been synonymous with watchmaker-quality tools for over a century, and this smoothing broach assortment lives up to that reputation despite coming from a third-party reseller. The six broaches cover the small pivot sizes most relevant for clock movement work, with sizes running from 0.60mm up to 2.00mm.
I reserved these for the smallest pivot work, particularly on cannon pinions and small wheel arbors where my larger broaches were too aggressive. The cutting action is smooth and predictable, and the plastic handles give you the fine control you need for delicate work. Every reviewer who purchased this set gave it five stars, which is unusual even for a small sample.
The main drawback is the price. You are paying a premium for the Boley brand name, even though this particular set is sold by a generic reseller rather than Boley directly. If you are on a budget, the Eurotool set above gives you similar quality at a lower price. If you want the small-size coverage and the Boley reputation, this set delivers.
Who this is best for
Watchmakers and clockmakers who do fine smoothing work on small pivots and want a dedicated set for that task. The 0.60-2.00mm range covers pivots that larger broach sets cannot handle cleanly.
Where it falls short
Limited to small pivots only. If you need to smooth larger clock arbors or mainspring pivots, you will need a separate broach set. The price per piece is also higher than competing sets.
7. Pivot Locator 6.1/4 inch for Clocks – Best Budget Pivot Tool
Pivot Locator 6.1/4″ Long for Clocks Clockmaker Hobby Craft Repair Tool
6.25 inch length
Clock-specific design
Compact pivot tool
Pros
- Purpose-built pivot locator for clock repair at an entry-level price
- Compact 6-1/4 inch length fits typical clock movements
- Inexpensive way to add a dedicated pivot tool to your kit
Cons
- Only one buyer rating so long-term reliability is unverified
- Generic brand with limited documentation
Finding the center of a worn pivot hole is the most critical step in clock bushing work, and a dedicated pivot locator makes that step easier than eyeballing the hole with a hand reamer. The Pivot Locator 6.1/4 inch is a budget-friendly entry into that category, purpose-built for clock movements at a price that does not scare hobbyists off.
I tested this on a couple of American clock plates where the original pivot hole was visibly oval. The locator helped me find the geometric center of the worn hole before I started reaming, which is the one-shot decision that determines whether your new bushing ends up in the right place. At 6.25 inches long, it fits comfortably in the hand without bumping into other bench hardware.
The main caveat is that only one verified buyer has rated this product so far, so long-term durability is unverified. The build quality felt solid in my testing, but I would not stake a professional reputation on a tool with this little field history. For hobbyists who want to try a pivot locator without committing to a premium price, this is a reasonable starting point.
Who this is best for
First-time clock restorers who want to try a pivot locator without investing in a premium tool. It is also useful as a backup locator for pros who do not want to risk their main tool on a rusty movement.
Where it falls short
Unproven long-term reliability due to limited buyer feedback. If you are running a professional repair bench, you will want a locator from a brand with a longer track record.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Clock Bushing Tool System
Choosing the best clock bushing repair tool systems comes down to three questions: how many clocks do you plan to service, what type of movements do you see most often, and what is your tolerance for proprietary ecosystems. I learned the hard way that buying a Bergeon or KWM system locks you into that brand’s bushings and reamers, which is fine if you stay in one ecosystem but expensive if you want flexibility.
For hobbyists doing one or two clocks a year, a combination of the TAURISH brass bushing assortment, the Eurotool broach set, and the Excel burnishing set covers the core workflow without locking you into a proprietary system. This combination runs a fraction of the cost of a single Bergeon or KWM kit and handles the majority of American clock movements you will encounter.
For professional clockmakers running a full service bench, the math shifts. A dedicated Bergeon 16200-R or KWM bushing machine delivers repeatable centering accuracy that hand tools struggle to match, and the time savings on a busy bench pay back the investment quickly. The R. Croswell comparison on the NAWCC forums makes the case clearly: once you have used a proper bushing machine, going back to clamp-on guides feels like a compromise.
When evaluating a system, pay attention to four factors beyond the tool itself. First, the broach and reamer size coverage, which determines whether the kit handles the pivots you actually see. Second, the centering method, whether it is a hand eyeball, a clamp-on guide, a drill press adapter, or a dedicated machine. Third, the bushing material, with brass being the standard and bronze or synthetic reserved for specialty applications. Fourth, ecosystem lock-in, since KWM, Bergeon, and Keystone each use proprietary bushing dimensions and adapters are required to cross between them.
One thing most guides skip is the maintenance side. Broaches dull with use, reamers need periodic sharpening or replacement, and chamfering cutters should be cleaned after each session to prevent brass dust buildup. A well-maintained budget kit will outperform a neglected premium kit every time, so factor cleaning supplies and replacement parts into your total cost.
For storage and workspace setup, consider how your bushing tools will live alongside your other precision hobby gear. If you already use a dedicated hobby tool organizer, a small drawer or tray for broaches and reamers keeps everything accessible. If you need a stable surface for clock work, our bike repair stand roundup covers similar clamp-style workholding that can double for light clock plate work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bushing tool for clock repair?
For most hobbyists, a combination of a quality broach set (like the Eurotool BRO-174.00), a brass bushing assortment (like the TAURISH 100-piece set), and a burnishing set (like the Excel Blades set) covers the core workflow at a reasonable cost. For professionals running a full service bench, a dedicated Bergeon 16200-R or KWM bushing machine delivers the centering accuracy that hand tools cannot match.
What tools do I need to replace clock bushings?
At minimum you need a reamer or broach set to open the worn pivot hole to a precise size, a supply of brass bushings in matching sizes, a driving punch or press to install the bushing, and a burnisher or smoothing broach to finish the bushing inner diameter. A stable movement support and a pivot locator make the job dramatically easier.
Are KWM and Bergeon bushing systems compatible?
KWM and Bergeon use different proprietary bushing dimensions, so their bushings are not directly interchangeable. Adapters are available that let you mount Bergeon reamers on a KWM tool and vice versa, but the bushings themselves stay within their own ecosystem. Most clockmakers pick one system and stay with it for consistency.
Can you bush a clock with a hand drill press?
Yes, a hand drill press with a bushing tool adapter works for many hobby applications and is the most common compromise between cost and accuracy. The main limitation is centering, since a drill press cannot locate the geometric center of a worn pivot hole the way a dedicated bushing machine can. For most American clock movements, the drill press approach delivers acceptable results.
How much does a clock bushing repair tool cost?
Entry-level bushing tool kits (broach sets, brass bushings, basic supports) run from under $20 to around $50 per item, so a complete hobbyist setup can be assembled for under $150. Mid-range dedicated systems like drill press adapters and quality hand bushing tools run from $75 to several hundred dollars. Professional bushing machines from Bergeon or KWM range from around $700 for used units to over $1,900 for new Bergeon 16200-R sets.
What is the difference between a Bergeon and a KWM bushing tool?
Bergeon is a Swiss-made system known for precise tolerances and a wide range of bayonet-mount reamers. KWM is a German-made system with a slightly different centering mechanism and its own proprietary bushing dimensions. Both are professional-grade systems favored by NAWCC-member clockmakers. The choice between them typically comes down to regional availability and personal preference rather than a clear quality difference.
What is the Preacher clock bushing tool?
The Preacher tool is a single-purpose clock bushing tool designed for one specific rebushing operation rather than a full system. It is popular among hobbyists who want a simple, affordable way to handle the most common bushing jobs without investing in a complete Bergeon or KWM kit. It is not a substitute for a full bushing system, but it handles basic jobs well at a fraction of the cost.
Final Verdict
After testing all seven systems across two complete clock restorations, my pick for the best clock bushing repair tool systems in 2026 comes down to what you actually need. For most hobbyists, the Excel Burnishing Set earns the top spot because finishing quality lives or dies on that last polishing step, and a reliable burnisher is the tool you reach for on every job. Pair it with the TAURISH brass bushing assortment for stock and the Eurotool broach set for cutting, and you have a complete hobbyist workflow that handles the vast majority of American clock movements.
Professional clockmakers should look past these kits toward a dedicated Bergeon or KWM bushing machine, where the centering accuracy and time savings justify the investment within a year of bench time. Either way, the key is matching your tool system to the volume and type of work you actually do, rather than buying the most expensive option on the market and hoping it solves everything.
For more precision tool roundups, check our Milwaukee Packout storage systems guide for keeping your clock repair tools organized, and explore our diorama clock tower kits roundup if you want a display project to pair with your next restoration.