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Clocks, Watches/Howard miller weight problem

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Expert: Martin Meyer - 3/16/2009


Question
We have a Howard miller grandfather clock.. Our problem is that the center weight drops within one day but the outer 2 weights won't drop at all. What can I do to fix this?  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Terresa

Answer
Hi Terresa,

The outer weights power the hour strike and quarter-hour chime, so if they are not dropping, your clock is not chiming.

On most clocks, if the chime selector is set to "Silent" the weights will not drop. This is normal. If the selector is not set to Silent, but is set on one of the chime melodies and the side weights still do not drop, then the chime is not working. This can be due to (most commonly) need for lubrication, wear in the movement's bearings, jamming of the chime mechanism, or other causes. A professional clock repairer can do a service call and diagnose and correct this problem. http://www.clockmasteronline.com

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Martin Meyer

Expertise

Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com

Experience

24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com

Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)

Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.

Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.

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