Expert: William J Perkins - 11/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a grandfather clock that I'm trying to get working, everything seems to be ok however I have a third chain that I'm not sure where it goes. Two chains are on the weights and it looks as though the 3rd goes in the middle however I'm not sure. It is a Hemle clock.

ANSWER: You are quite right, the third chain and weight does hang from the middle.  Essentially your clock has three motors (trains) assembled between two plates.  As you face the clock, the train on your left is the strike train, it announces the hours at the appropriate time.  The train in the center is the time train, it drives the gears etc., that tell the time.  The one on the right is called the chime train, it announces the quarter hours by playing a melody or a part thereof.  Regards WJP_

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do I have to open it up to attach the third chain? Seems like there are a lot of parts that I could mess up and I'd hate to do that.... Do you have any pics that show where it goes?

Answer
Stringing a chain onto a gear is a frustrating task at best.  Trying to do it, for the first time, while the movement is in the case, would be trying to say the least.  I suggest you have the job done by a qualified clock repair person.  Ask to observe the procedure for future such problems.  Having chains jump off their cog wheels is not unusual.  Most clock repair persons have developed their own special tricks to do this job.  I am sure you would find it beneficial to learn first hand a workable technique.  Regards WJP