Expert: William J Perkins - 1/24/2008

Question
A recently purchased clock strikes the quarters but when it comes to the hour, instead of striking the number of the hour it strikes only once, How can this be repaired/ addressed?

Answer
Some chime clocks do not deliver a blow for each hour of time and simply deliver a single blow letting you know that a new hour is commencing.  This is called a passing strike.  Other types of strike are rack and snail strike system and count wheel strike.  To find out if your clock was intended to deliver a blow for each hour of time you would have to expose the movements front plate to see if there is a counting system present.  This attachment would be in the form of what is called a rack.  The rack is a piece that would reside on the outside of the from plate, it would be rather large and in the form of an arc with  at least 12 teeth in it.  Another form of counting is a large wheel, also on the outside of the front plate, this wheel would be divided into 12 segments cut rather deeply into the wheel rim.  A lever fits into these deep slots.  Often times the interval between the deep notches is segmented by from 1 to 12 teeth.  Examine your clock to see which of these methods your movement uses.  Let me know then I can direct you towards possible repair.  Regards WJP