Expert: Martin Meyer - 3/9/2009

Question
Hi,
Just inherited a Howard Miller Grandfather Clock. The weight in the middle position will not stay in the up position when you wind it up. I am fairly handy but obviously, I know you can't tell what is wrong with it without looking at it. It looks to me like if I would take out 4 screws on the back, that would loosen the chimes and if I took out four bolts holding the works down, I could take it all out the front. I have a clock man that I have called and he sounds knowledgeable but told me it may cost me as much as 500.00 if he has to replace the whole works. I really don't think the total works needs replaced but was looking for your opinion on what you think I should do.
Thanks
John

Answer
Hi John,

First, removing the chime screws on the back panel of the clock will not do anything to free the movement, but will cause the chime rod assembly to come loose, possibly falling to the floor of the clock and damaging the delicate chime rods. Also, there are many ways that clocks are designed for movement removal, and most of them require considerably more than removing the four seatboard screws. Most commonly, the dial frame (the wood frame around the dial) must be removed separately and before removing the movement.

The problem with your clock seems to be that the "clickspring" (the ratchet that holds the weight up when you wind the clock) is broken. On some movements, the "Great Wheel" that holds the weight cable or chain can be removed without completely disassembling the movement. In these cases, the clickspring or entire great wheel can be replaced, and the cost will be moderate.

However, on other movements, the entire movement, including all the many gears and parts, would have to be disassembled to access the great wheel. The labor involved in this is extensive, and in this case it is usually a much better choice to simply replace the entire movement. While movement costs vary widely, a $500 charge for this does not sound at all out of line. Remember that, until he sees the clock, the repairman does not know if the movement needs replacement or not and, as you stated, he said "if" the movement needs to be replaced.

Another consideration is that the average lifespan of a modern grandfather movement is about 20 years. If the clock's age is in that range, there may be worn bearings, and movement replacement might be needed anyway.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com