Expert: Martin Meyer - 2/17/2008

Question
This clock was moved from Tenn. to Ohio.  When I hung the weights on, the middle weight will lower and it keeps good time, the outside weights will not move down and it doesn't chimes. I tried moving the lever to silent and then to chime and that doesn't help. What should I try next.

Answer
Hi Richard,
    First, make sure that the heaviest weight is on the right (as you look at the clock). Next, take a look at the movement through the side openings or back opening, whichever your clock has. Closely observe the chime hammers on the right (again, the right if you were looking at the clock from the front). Look for a large L-shaped steel lever on the back plate of the movement; if it is present and is pressing on the chime hammers, pivot it out of the way. Then look at the chime hammers and be certain that they are not tangled with each other, and that the rearmost lever is not hitting the back case of the clock. Finally, gently pivot all 4 (or 8, if it is a triple chime) chime hammers on that side toward you, in other words, away from the chime rods, at the same time, and turn the minute hand to the next chime point. The chime gears may begin to move again when you do this.
    If none of these remedies help, your clock most probably either needs lubrication, or has wear in its bearings and needs an overhaul or new movement. For both these jobs, it is best to have a professional clock repairer do a service call.