Expert: William J Perkins - 3/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: Antique clock working well but  strikes one bell for the hour and hour bells on six position. Tried stopping pendulum so as to get the hour strike correct but still gives single bell at 12! Know I must not reverse the hands at any time so please advise how I correct the bell. Many thanks.

ANSWER: Before I make answer I would like you to do an exercise for me.  Move the minute hand through two 12 hour strike cycles.  Be sure to allow each strike sequence to complete before moving on to the next one.  Write down the exact time and the number of blows delivered at each striking event.  Send this information to me.  I will analyses that data and get back to you with whatever conclusions I might draw.  Regards WJP

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

QUESTION: Dear Mr Perkins.

Have done 2 x 12 hour circuits. Bell consistent all way & is 1/2 hour fast to actual time. Example: 11.30 gives 12 bell strikes followed by 1 on the noon position. It is not designed to give 1/4 hours only hour & 1/2 hour.

Thank you for your help,

regards

Richard Barker

Answer
I really wanted you send me the results of the exercise.  Based upon the information provided, do the following.  Stop the clock, remove the minute hand from its shaft, replace the minute hand on its shaft so that it is in a position 1/2 hour ahead of where it was.  For example, the clock shows 11:30, you stop the clock, remove the minute hand, which is pointing to 11:30 and move it to the position of 12:00, reposition and secure the hand to its shaft at the 12:00 position.  Start the clock.  The time and strike should now be synchronized.  Reset the clock to its proper time in the normal manner.  The key to this operation is that you change the position of the hand without causing the shaft to turn.  Regards WJP