Expert: Martin Meyer - 8/8/2008

Question
I got this clock at a second hand store and the hour will not strike- the spot to wind for the hour has no tension on it when you try to wind it-i do hear the click sounds though -I fear that the previous owner broke the spring on it - from the back I can see the end of the shaft spin when I am trying to wind it--is there a fix short of the shop?

Answer
Hi Donna,

These are symptoms of a broken mainspring or a mainspring that has come loose from its mounting points at the inner or outer end. These are always major problems, and usually require the services of a professional clock repairer.

The Linden name has been used by a number of companies, and they have used a variety of movements, so I don't know what make or type of movement is in your clock. There are a few movements which have mainsprings in barrels, and sometimes the entire barrel and mainspring can be replaced. This, in itself, is sometimes not too difficult a job, but when a mainspring breaks there is often damage to the adjoining gears as well. If you can see the unwound mainsprings from the back of the clock, the clock does not have mainsprings in barrels, and there is no chance that you can repair it yourself.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com