Expert: Martin Meyer - 11/28/2009

Question
My grandfather clock is malfunctioning. It does not chime and only the middle weight is dropping. Any suggestions?
Regards,
Eddie Donovan

Answer
Hi Eddie,

There are very many possible causes of chime failure. Whenever the clock does not chime, the two side weights will not drop. I would recommend first checking that the chime is not just turned off. The chime-silent lever is usually near the "3" on the dial, but may be elsewhere. There are also some clocks with a large L-shaped lever mounted on the back of the movement, which can be rotated up to hold the chime hammers from striking. If you can look inside your clock, and find this arrangement, just pivot the lever away from the chime hammers.

Next, make sure that the heaviest weight is on the right (as you look at the clock). Next, check that the chain or cable is not jammed; try winding it a bit more (unless it is fully wound already), then look in the right side panel or small door and check that the chain is threaded evenly onto the sprocket, or the cable is wound in neat rows with no cross-over of cable. Also, check that that the cable (if your clock is a cable drive, not a chain drive) is properly in the track of the pulley just above the weight, and not jammed at the pulley shaft. Now, look at the row of chime hammers on the right side of the movement. They should be in a straight row. If one or more of them is partially lifted, lift back the whole row of hammers; if there was a jam, you will see the pinwheel snap back into position. If none of these things appear to be the source of the problem, the clock may need lubrication or may have wear in the bearings of the movement, which will require at least a service call by a professional clock repairer.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com