Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 5/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: The hook of one of the weights of my Howard miller clock is broken. Can the hook alone can be replaced? If it can be done , then how? Also what happens if the weights are interchanged and not as per the marking on the weights?

Appreciate your quick response. Thanks

ANSWER: heaviest weight goes on the right as you face the clock to run the quarter chimes. next heaviest in the center. too little weight may make that train not operate properly- too much not much will be apparent. Yes the hooks are available - from a clock shop or on line

http://www.timesavers.com/catalogmain2.asp?ProductID=23811%2C+22952&submit1=Sear

not sure which one you need M4 or M5 they are threaded and unscrew

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

QUESTION: Thanks a lot for your quick response.
I have got somebody to put the remaining 2 weights. He has put one for the quarterly chime and the other for the clock to work. The third which was supposed for hourly strike has not been put. I am not sure the positions of the weights are as marked on the weights.  Since I am away and right now cannot check whether the positions of the weights are ok or not , are there any chances that the clock may get damaged because of the change in positions of the weight? Can I run the clock till I get a new weight / hook without causing any mechanical damage to the clock?
Please advice

Answer
no damage to clock no matter what you do. Hardware stores have metric threaded nuts (M4-M5) and if you bring the broken weight to them, they might be able to fashion some kind of hook and nut that you could put on the end to make it work till you get the exact replacement someday.