Expert: Martin Meyer - 5/15/2008

Question
My father was a clockmaker.  He passed away in 2001.  I never thought I would
have to ask a stranger for clock advice! The Howard Miller grandfather clock that
I inherited runs and chimes perfectly, but within 36 hours after winding, 1 weight
(the left one) is at least 1 inch above the other 2, which descend at the same
level.  Is this something I can fix myself?

Answer
Hi Nina,

The three weights go down at different rates, but equal out over each 12-hour period. The left (strike) weight goes down only slightly at 1:00, then increases the amount it goes down each hour until, at 12:00 it goes down the largest amount. Therefore, if you start with the weights even, and happen to look at them at, for example, 6:00, the strike weight may be a bit higher than the time and chime weights.

If the left weight on your clock steadily goes down slower than the other two over the course of the week, it is an indication that the clock is either not striking at some hours, or not striking as many times as it should at some hours. This can be caused by numerous different problems, among them, need for lubrication or malfunctioning of the fairly complicated series of parts on the front plate of the movement which operate the strike mechanism.

I very recently answered a question, "Chuck - irregular chimes", which may give you some useful information on the details of the "rack and snail" strike mechanism, as well as a notated photo of that mechanism.