Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 9/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  I recently purchased a Ridgeway grandfather clock and in setting it up, I noticed that the chime chain will not pull (I suspect it's the chime chain - it's the chain on the far right as I'm facing the clock).  The chain does not appear to be bound and I could remove it from the drive gear.  Any ideas?

ANSWER: seat board mounting screw too long? How old a clock?

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QUESTION: Thank you. I SINCERELY appreciate your assistance with this.  The clock is not old, maybe about 20 years.  I am pretty good mechanically, but I am not a 'clock guy' by any stretch of the imagination.  I gotta tell you that I really have no idea what seat board mounting screw is?  The clock will chime - I just can't move the chain to pull the weight?  If taking pictures will help, I will be happy to do that.  Thanks again for your time and your expertise.

ANSWER: if the clocks chimes on its own then the mounting screw is not a problem- let the clock run for a few days and try it- might need a little oil where the steel chain sprocket wheel meets the brass gear on the same shaft. Unusual problem.

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QUESTION: Hello and thanks again for all the help.  Here's where I am at...  I removed the sprocket wheel/brass gear drive and the sprocket wheel is definitely not wanting to rotate on the shaft.  I can't get it to budge...  If we're talking about the same thing, are you suggesting I oil the shaft and see if that will loosen it?  Any other ideas on how to break it loose?  

If for any number of reasons I am unable to reassemble the clock (very possible), I may have to put the mechanism into a box and ship it to ya for some expert hands-on repair!  This is an awesome service and you are a big part of the reason!

I'm confident you are aware of the gear I am talking about, however, I included a photo for my own personal sanity...

Sincerely,

Bryan

Answer
you are doing fine here- put some oil between the large diameter brass gear on the left and the rim of the chain sprocket wheel - on the ratchet teeth between and use a screwdriver in this space to twist and pry the joint to allow the oil in --working the same motion all around the wheel. Should free it up- if not put the steel shaft on the brass gear end in a vise and a cloth and hand leverage on the chain sprocket.