Expert: William J Perkins - 2/9/2008

Question
the center weight is moving and the clock is keeping time...
the other two weights are stuck at the top, so there is no strike or chime...can i free those two weights myself?

Answer
Possibly yes.  You need to apply additional weight to the right side.  Here are two suggested ways.  (1)  Physically hang more weight, perhaps a sock filled with sand.  Make sure the additional weight does not interfere with the pendulum action.  (2) turn the minute hand until you hear the unlocking click for the chime.  Grasp the weight with your hand and pull down, this should make the chime do its thing for the specific quarter hour.  (Do not exert more than a couple of pounds downward pressure.) If the completed chime was for the last quarter hour the the strike should go off.  Let the strike complete, then move the minute hand until another quarter hour is unlocked.  Pull down on the weight until the chime finishes its thing.  Forcing the chime to play these two times should have caused the weight to fall enough to allow the weight to be removed.  I suspect your weights are improperly hung.  The heaviest should be hung on the right side of the clock as you face it.  If this does not do it call a clock repair person.  If correcting the weight hanging positions does not solve the problem you clock need cleaning and/or adjustment.  Regards WJP