Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/25/2009

Question
Hi, I have my grandmother's-grandmother clock. I have attached the 3 weighs...1 was heavy, put it to the right and the other 2 weighed the same. I set it. It chimes, but only the middle weight moves down. I pulled the chain to the top on the other two weights...but they dont come down...any advice? thank you!

Answer
Hi Robyn,

I know that you said the clock chimes, but if the two side weights are not coming down at all, the clock cannot be chiming or striking the hour.

The heavy weight goes on the right, as you look at the clock. The center weight powers the pendulum, so as long as the clock is running, that weight will gradually go down. The right weight powers the quarter-hour chime, and the chime triggers the hour strike. The left weight powers the hour strike, and the hour strike will not function if the chime is not functioning.

There are many possible causes of chime failure. The most common are need for lubrication, wear in the movement's bearings, or jamming caused by damage or faulty adjustment of one or more of the many levers and parts which operate the chime and strike mechanisms. It may be possible for you to lubricate the clock, but it will require a certain amount of disassembly. Please browse my previous answers for information on lubrication. The other problems will need to be addressed by a professional clock repairer.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com