Expert: William J Perkins - 12/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have an Ethan Allen Grandfather (or Grandmother) clock, Model 08-3810, about 30-40 years old.  It ticks and keeps time but the chimes won't ring.  I found the silencer on the right side of the movement but the lever seems loose and has no effect on the chimes in either position. Hmmm... so I thought I'd take off the clock face and look at the movement from the front. Removed the little round nut and minute hand in seconds, no problem.  But the hour hand seems to be stuck on. I tried to pull it straight off, but stopped before I damaged anything. Questions: How to remove the hour hand if I need to access the front of the movement? How to restore the chiming? Also, what do you recommend to clean fingerprints from the weights, clock face, and other metal parts that may have been handled? Thanks!  JD

ANSWER: Most hour hands are friction fit to their shafts and simply pull straight out and off.  Some are held in place by a retaining nut.  If your clock is one that has the retaining nut you will have to remove it before trying to remove the hand.  The presence of an hour hand retaining nut is hard to miss, particularly if you are looking for one. You will need decent lighting to make the necessary examination.  Unless your clock has an Asian movement I doubt the hand nut option alternative to friction fit was used.  Presuming it is indeed a friction fit you most likely will need the assistance of a penetrating oil.  Sometimes untrained persons caring for these clocks push the hour hand onto its shaft with far to much pressure resulting in serious damage when it comes time to remove the hand.  I would suggest you try to borrow a hand puller, to pull the hand with, or, have a trained clock repair person do the job for you.  Regards WJP

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply, this is very helpful. I didn't notice a retaining nut for the hour hand, so I'll try a drop of penetrating oil and gently pry or use a puller. Once I get it and the clock face off, do you have any tips on what to look for in or around the non-working chime mechanism?  JRD

Answer
I hope I have caught you in time.  PLEASE do not use pliers to pull the hour hand.  It is almost impossible to exert a consistent "0" degree pressure.  Not pulling straight back can cause serious damage to the shaft and anything connected thereto:  Make every effort to borrow a hand or small gear puller.  Once you get the face off the clock you need to look for bent or otherwise damaged teeth on the cams, gears and levers exposed to you.  If the look see fails to disclose the problem, install the minute hand on its shaft and turn it through the hours.  Watch very closely the action of the various gears, lifts etc.  This should disclose the problem and your sense of mechanics will most likely direct you to the cure.  Wishing you luck, regards WJP