Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 1/19/2008

Question
I have a linden mantel clock with; Silent, Whitt, St Mich, and Westm.  The clock works are #81 Cuckoo Mfg. with 2 jewels #1050-020.  The clock doesn't work and feels like all the springs are wound too tight. How do I know if a spring is broken or if there is another problem. And is it something I could fix or do I need to take it to a clock repair shop.

Answer
springs in clocks cannot be wound too tight --they break if you do--they need to be wound tight weekly to run the clock--if they are broken they wind easily but never get tighter.

The little horozontal wheel in the back - you might try giving it a gently flip to see if it will begin to run - other wise it will need service by a pro.