Expert: Michael Radi - 11/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have an Elgin mantle clock clock that has three key holes on the face. Can you tell me the function of each hole - left, center, right as your facing it? I want the clock to just tell time and not chime. Thanks for your time.

ANSWER: The center winder is for the time.
The left one is for the hour strike.
The right one is for the quarter hour chime.
Some clocks have a problem if you simply stop winding the left and right mainsprings in order to stop the clock from chiming. The movement will still lift the levers and try to chime. They may become jammed. Also, the strike rack can drop down and get stuck behind the snail gear and ride behind it, pressing against the back of it. This can stop a clock.
None of these problems are physically harmful to the clock movement but they don't always correct themselves once you wind the clock back up.
If you send me a photo of the back of the clock movement I'll try to give you some options for stopping the chimes. I epically would like to see any levers sticking out to the side of the movement on the left or right side.
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair


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

QUESTION: Thanks for the info! Good to know about not winding all three key holes. Here's a picture. I thought of putting a piece of post-it paper folded in half between the levers and their targets.

Answer
Great, Thanks for the perfect photo. Do you see the chrome bar attached to the small brass plate at the lower left side of the movement? It angles toward the front of the clock and is hovering over the chime hammer wires.
All you need to do is push this lever down onto the chime hammer wires. This will prevent the hammers from lifting and will stop all of your chime and strike. The left and right mainsprings will not unwind and you will only be winding the middle spring to keep the clock running.
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair