Expert: Martin Meyer - 5/4/2008

Question
I have a Howard Miller mantle clock that does not run,when i wind it the hands go around very fast until it winds down,also the key to wind the chimes does not wind anything,please tell me if it is worth getting fixed.It is from the 1960's and in great condition.The model number is 612-360 .Thank you so much for the information.

Answer
Hi Diane,

These sound like serious problems. First, if the hands go around rapidly while you are winding the clock, the escapement (the anchor-shaped verge which goes back and forth as the pendulum swings or the balance wheel rotates, and the saw-toothed escape wheel which the verge engages) is far out of adjustment, the verge is not engaging the escape wheel, and the entire gear train is spinning unrestrained, instead of ticking off a tooth at a time. Adjusting the "drop" of the verge into the escape wheel is a difficult adjustment, best left to a professional clock repairer.

Second, if the arbor (shaft) in one of the winding holes just turns freely and without resistance when you try to wind it, the mainspring for that arbor is either broken or has slipped off the pins which hold it tensioned. In either case, this requires removing the mainspring barrel from the movement and either replacing or repairing the mainspring.