Expert: Michael Radi - 12/31/2009

Question
The center chain has come off my grandfather clock ,how do I get it back on ?

Answer
This is a tricky process that may require the movement to come out of the clock case. I have done this many times and the middle one is a hardest.
If you want to try putting the chain back on without removing the movement I'll tell you how. I usually spend about 10 to 15 minutes trying this with a success rate of about 50%. If I can get it to go on, life is good. If I can't get the chain on in about 10 attempts I remove the movement so I can get to everything and put the chain on a that time.
Without removing the movement: Look at one of the side chains so you get an idea of what the chain gear looks like because you won't be able to see much of the center one when you attempt this. Now from underneath the movement figure out what direction the center chain gear will rotate freely (it will only turn one direction). You will be putting the end of the chain onto the gear and rotating that gear so the chain goes up and over it.
Remove both the hook and pull from the ends of the chain by opening up the chain links that hold them on. Fashion a hook on the end of a coat hanger or similar stiff wire so that you can lift the end of the chain up inside and drop it onto the gear. This is the really hard part. It needs to go far enough onto the gear so that the gear teeth catch it. Rotate the gear to pull the chain over the top and it will come out the other side of the gear and drop down. Put the hook on the side of the chain that goes up as you pull the other side. The chain pull goes on the other side of the chain.
Good luck,
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair