Hilger Watts Theodolite Manual Repack -

This axis supports the telescope and the vertical glass circle. It rests on dual adjustable bearings at the top of the instrument standards.

Reinstall the screw rods, bushings, and handwheels in reverse order of removal. 4. Spindle and Axis Maintenance

Lower the instrument straight down into the case. Do not slide it in at an angle.

Apply a few drops of odorless mineral spirits or a dedicated penetrating oil directly to the seam of the spindle. hilger watts theodolite manual repack

Accessing the optical reading circles requires removing the protective side plates.

Ultra-light damping grease (e.g., Nyogel 774VL or Micro-Lubric 203) for internal optical glass focusing tracks.

Medium-heavy damping grease (e.g., Nyogel 774H or standard instrument grease) for the main horizontal and vertical centers to ensure smooth rotation. This axis supports the telescope and the vertical

Unscrew the foot-screw retaining rings from the bottom of the tribrach base. Carefully back out the three leveling feet.

Replacing dried-out grease in the horizontal and vertical axes. Optical Cleaning:

Performing a manual repack on a Hilger Watts theodolite requires technical expertise and specialized tools. Here is a general outline of the process: Apply a few drops of odorless mineral spirits

Thread the three leveling footscrews on the tribrach upward until they are uniform and near the top of their threads. This minimizes the vertical profile of the base.

Needed for removing optical retaining rings and axis caps.

Reinstall the bottom retaining plate and tighten it until there is zero vertical play, yet the instrument spins freely without binding.

Many Hilger & Watts metal cases utilize a canvas strap or a padded wooden swing-arm that locks over the tribrach base. Secure this arm and tighten the thumb nut until it is snug. Do not overtighten.