Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 1/2/2009

Question
I have a 30+ year-old German wall clock.  I recently paid about $350 to have the inside mechanism rebuilt!!  The clock ticks fine but if it chimes at all, the sound is very weak.  If I pull back the prongs of the chime and let it go, the sound is rich and deep.  Of course, the wind-up mechanisms are wound tight and won't budge.  There are 3 wind-up points---one for the clock ticking, but I'm not sure what the other 2 do, but both of them won't wind any tighter.  If there is something I can adjust myself, I'd like to be able to do it.  This clock is precious to me and I'd like it to work like it used to.  Purchased in Germany in 1976, wall clock, approx. 2.5 feet tall.  4 chime settings -  silen, westminster and 2 others.  No name inside the clock that I can see.  Can you help?  Many Thanks!     bobbi

Answer
you really need to get the rebuilder to solve your problem. The hammer heads need to be about 1/8" above the chime rods in the "at rest" position to make the best sound. bend the handles to adjust this spacing. could have worn chime hammer tails- could be lots of things especially if it is not chiming at all. when you move the minute hand round the dial, watch and see if the hammers lift and drop every time like they should and lift about at least 1/2" or more.