Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 9/1/2008

Question
My husband built both a grandmother and a grandfather clock from the Emporer Clock company.  Last year he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and stopped the chiming mechanism on the clocks because he became so sensitive to all sounds.   Also, I think that he may have wound up the weights on the clocks (outside ones on the grandfather and middle one on the grandmother) too much as they don't descend anymore.   I would very much like to have the clocks chiming again because they remind me so much of him.   I'm sure there must be model #s or something like that somewhere if you could tell me where to look so that I can give you more info.

Thanks for your help

Answer
the weights are not an issue. if there is no shut off with levers in slots in the dial face then inside there may be levers holding the hammers from moving that are holding them in place and need to be moved out of the way. Beyond this there might be many things he could have done. If there is nothing obvious, I would call a pro because they may need lubrication after sitting.