Expert: Harold Williamson - 10/4/2009

Question
The left weight on my Ridgeway grandfather clock falls faster than the other two.  I have the original instructions, and am certain the weights are placed correctly.  When the left weight falls faster, it makes the clock gong continuously (sometimes up to 84 gongs) before it stops.

Answer
Hello Terri

The weight on the right is the heavy weight and it runs the chime, center runs the time and left runs the strike as you know.

There is a part on the front of the movement plate behind the dial that is called a gathering pallet and it must be out of alignment or the bushing is worn on its pivot and is keeping the rack from locking thus allowing it to continue striking.  It sounds more like its not locking because of alignment on the snail than wear.  Should be a simple tweak but for a clocksmith and that is not usually cheap for a housecall.  If the clock is over 8 years old and never been properly serviced it is about time.  If you can remove the dial call me and I can walk you thru a tweak or two.  I am in my shop usually after noon, est till around 6pm.  spend a lot of time on housecalls

Be glad to help if I can.  Chose your clocksmith carefully.

Harold
Full Time Clock Smith
919-304=7651