AboutKenneth Saunders Expertise any mechanical clock question -no watches- no battery clock questions and no appraisals-ie: "how much is my clock worth?" type questions please! Attach a photo if possible and note all markings on the rear of the mechanism- thanks
36 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner
Experience 36 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner.
Question I have just got an Ingraham mantle clock. It rings a bell on the half hour and is supposed to strike a gong on the hour. It strikes, but the gong seems to just clank. the previous owner said the gong was pleasant. Is there a way to make the gong not clank and sound like a gong?
Answer sure.
make sure the gong itself is anchored to the wood securely - most often with a big nut on the underside of the clock.
the hammer head most likely had a piece of leather insert in the end and that may be missing or worn down so you have metal to metal when the head hits the gong. bend the hammer shaft wire as needed to line it up on the gong for a clean direct hit.It should rest about 1/8" away from the gong. sometimes the hammer head is held on by a set screw and you can remove and replace the leather easily- other wise the mechanism has to be removed to get at it for replacement.
